Skoda Auto India hosted the world static premiere of the Vision IN. The mid-size SUV concept study, designed and developed under the Skoda Auto led ‘INDIA 2.0’ project of the Volkswagen Group is based on the MQB A0 IN platform. The Czech marque also showcased the flagship SUV Kodiaq 2.0 TSI, the new Karoq 1.5 TSI, the Laurin and Klement as well as the Sportline variants of the facelifted Superb, the powerful Octavia RS 245, and the Monte Carlo and the Matte Concept of the Rapid 1.0 TSI. To commemorate its 125 year anniversary, Skoda Auto also presented the luxurious 1948 Superb OHV.

Commenting on the occasion, Zac Hollis, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India said, “This is a very special year for the Skoda Auto family. We are celebrating our 125 year anniversary. The Vision IN having drawn its inspiration from this rich history and heritage blurs the line between beauty and functionality. It is a vehicle tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of the Indian subcontinent and testifies an interplay of the Czech Bohemian glass work as well as the traditional Kalamkari art. We are confident that this mid-size SUV, when launched in 2021, will be a top contender for prospective buyers and will garner substantial market share in the segment in which it operates. Through the product offensive campaign, increased geographical presence, innovative brand awareness programs and numerous customer centric service initiatives, we are focusing on strengthening the brand in India.”

VISION IN

Featuring a distinctive front and large bonnet, the Vision IN’s Skoda SUV family resemblance is clear at first glance. The wide Skoda grille features striking double slats; both the frame and the slats are made of lead crystal, and their elegance is additionally enhanced by eye-catching LED illumination. The two-part LED headlights also exhibit crystalline structures. In the upper part, which reaches as far as the Skoda grille, stunning glass elements create the LED dipped beam, LED high beam and an L-shaped LED module for the daytime running lights and indicators. The LED fog lights are arranged below this. The upper section of the sculpted bumper has been given added depth, is body-coloured and incorporates a wide, crystalline, mesh-effect air inlet. The lower section consists of a rugged, aluminium front spoiler.

The straight roof line with panoramic glass roof and buffed aluminium roof rails conveys a sporty appearance. A three-dimensional tornado line makes the vehicle look longer, while the powerful wheel arches make it appear brawny and self-assured on the road. This impression is reinforced by the car’s bold, sculptured plastic side trims in matt anthracite; 19-inch alloy wheels with polished surfaces create a manifold of light and shade effects. The side profile of the chrome framed windows extends all the way to the D-pillar and, exhibiting a slanted rear window and ‘Skoda’ in block lettering, the rear is powerful and uncluttered. Razor-sharp, L-shaped LED tail lights together with horizontal reflectors form the ŠKODA-typical ‘C’ of the light cluster. A crystalline strip of light between the reflectors provides yet another visual touch, further splitting the rear into individual sections and lending it a more structured overall appearance; a rugged aluminium diffuser completes the lower section.

The interior of the Vision IN concept study is characterised by the new Skoda design language. The elongated dashboard picks up the symmetrical contours of the Skoda radiator grille and incorporates air vents featuring the brand-typical SUV design. The Skoda designers have also broken new ground when devising the decorative trim that adorns the dashboard and have drawn inspiration from Indian culture. The decor pays homage to the traditional Indian textile printing technique, in which classic motifs are printed onto fabric using handmade East Indian rosewood stamps. At the same time, the characteristic Skoda crystal seam on the dashboard and door panels as well as decorative armrest trims made of genuine crystal make reference to the traditional Czech art of glass cutting. An all-new crystal button on the dashboard acts as a bridge to the modern world: using this button, the driver can communicate with the infotainment system’s digital assistant in the same way they would if they were using the free standing 12.3 inch (31.24 cm) central screen.

The Vision IN’s modern technological comforts also include the individually configurable Virtual Cockpit and shift-by-wire technology. The gear selector is no longer connected to the 7 speed DSG mechanically. Instead, it relays which gear has been chosen electronically. The classic selector lever has been replaced with a small rocker switch for operation. The convenient electromechanical parking brake means the familiar handbrake lever is also no longer required. This creates a new sense of spaciousness and makes it possible to keep the centre console much smaller and tidier. The gained space resulting from this has – in typical, ‘Simply Clever’ Skoda fashion – been used for several new storage compartments. The three spoke steering wheel is another important component of the new interior concept.

Alongside wood and natural leather, the Vision IN also makes use of vegan as well as recycled materials. The floor mats are made of Pinatex, for example. Pineapple leather, as it is also known, is a leather like fabric made from waste pineapple leaves. The concept study’s roof lining is made from recycled plastic fibres and – owing to the transition from black to orange that is drawn across the entire roof – provides another distinctive visual highlight.

The Skoda Vision IN concept study is 4,256 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,671 mm; its height is 1,589 mm. The Vision IN is powered by a modern and efficient petrol engine. The 1.5 TSI delivering 110 kW (150 PS) transfers its maximum torque of 250 Nm to the front wheels via a 7 speed DSG. It takes the concept study 8.7 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph. Its top speed is 195 kmph. The Vision IN features 7.5J×19 alloy wheels fitted with 235/45 R19 tyres.

Hyundai Motor has teased the all-new i20, indicating that it will feature a completely new design and that it will be the first car in Europe to carry Hyundai’s new design language: ‘Sensuous Sportiness’.

Sensuous Sportiness is characterised by the harmony between four fundamental elements: proportion, architecture, styling and technology. The purpose of this design direction is to bring instinctive beauty to Hyundai vehicles, creating emotional value and giving them a distinctive look.

The preview images show that the all-new i20 will have a more sporty and dynamic look. The cascading grille in the front running horizontally to the sides results in the characteristic wide and low body. Also the unique lighting signature underlines the width and the stance of the all-new i20. The bold character line on the side of the body emphasizes the car’s sporty proportions and agility. The rear is complemented with a horizontal tail lamp design which is seamlessly connected with the rear glass.

The horizontal blades covering the dashboard are a real icon of the all-new i20 interior. The slick treatment emphasises the width of the front fascia and neatly disguises the air vents. To further enhance the elegance and the aesthetics of the interior, the new digital cluster and the main centre fascia have been combined together and feature two 10.25-inch screens.

The all-new i20 will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2020.

Tata Motors today announced the commencement of bookings for its Harrier BSVI range, with the introduction of the much- awaited Harrier automatic transmission variants.

The all new Harrier range will be powered by the next generation Kryotec 170 diesel engine churning out 170 PS of maximum power. The new Tata Harrier will also be available in a new calypso red colour and new stylish aerodynamic outer mirrors. Continuing with Tata Motors commitment to offer the safe cars, Harrier will now come equipped with ESP across all variants.

Harrier will now also be available with a new top- of the- line XZ+/ XZA+ trim, which consists of a host of features like panoramic sunroof, 6-way powered driver seat with adjustable lumbar support, auto dimming rear view mirrors and two-tone diamond cut R17 alloys making it an attractive package for the Harrier customers.

The automatic range comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission and will be available in three variants – XMA, XZA and XZA+.

Commenting on this launch, Mr. Vivek Srivatsa, Head – Marketing, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “We are delighted to bring the highly anticipated Tata Harrier automatic transmission to our customers alongwith the Harrier BSVI range. In line with our philosophy of going beyond BSVI, we are offering a host of technical, safety and design upgrades on the Harrier. With the introduction of this new range, Harrier is ready to set new benchmarks and deliver a segment-leading performance. We are confident that this new feature addition will lure more customers in the coming days.”

The Harrier, which is built on the OMEGARC, derived from Land Rover’s legendary D8 platform, is a combination of contemporary design and dynamic performance. Powered by the next generation Kryotec170 Diesel engine and advanced terrain response modes, Harrier assures a promising performance on the toughest of terrains.

The all-new Kia Sorento will make its world premiere at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show.

Designed and engineered to take on everything life can throw at it, the fourth generation of Kia Motors Corporation’s flagship global SUV is the latest addition to the brand’s reinvigorated SUV line-up. The first vehicle based on Kia’s new-generation midsize SUV platform, the Sorento raises standards in its segment for practicality, offering space on a par with larger vehicles. The new model also marks the first-time adoption of hybrid power in the Sorento line-up.

Kia is targeting the global SUV market by applying a range of innovations to the new Sorento, including advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features.

A mainstay of Kia’s global line-up, more than three million Sorento models have been sold worldwide since it was launched in 2002. The all-new Kia Sorento will be revealed for the first time on March 3, 2020.

Mr Sharad Agarwal, Head, Lamborghini India at the launch of Lamborghini Huracan EVO-RWD in Kolkata.

Automobili Lamborghini unveiled the Huracan EVO Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): a visceral driving machine, delivering 610hp (449 kW) of power at 8,000 rpm and 560 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm to a lightweight car with rear-wheel drive and dynamic steering for maximum driving fun. Weighing just 1,389 kg, the Huracan EVO RWD has a top speed of 325 kmph and accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.3 seconds. Despite its top-figure capabilities, the Huracan EVO RWD is not focused on straight-line speeds or lap records: with a unique new design, the Huracan EVO RWD proclaims its designation as an instinctive driver’s car.

Mr. Sharad Agarwal, Head, Lamborghini India said, “We are excited to announce Huracán EVO RWD in India, right after its global launch. Taking the Huracan legacy forward, the new vehicle dynamics have been developed and refined to produce a car whose performance relies on the harmony between man and machine: driving skills and the Huracán EVO’s RWD mechanics deliver perfectly balanced dynamics, physical feedback and a pure performance. As the driver, you exercise greater control over the car to form a unique and intimate bond: Rewind to Rear-Wheel Drive means a return to the origins of mechanical purity, the true essence of a Lamborghini. The Huracan EVO RWD embodies the most high-tech return to these origins, and it is dedicated to those who know they cannot do without technology but embrace the thrill of driving and the joy it can offer.”

The V10 engine delivers more than just power to the rear-wheel drive set-up: the sound of the naturally aspirated power plant combines with the specially tuned traction control system to deliver the most emotive, fun-to-drive experience in both dry and wet conditions, and even snow. The new Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) is calibrated specifically for the rear-wheel drive Huracan EVO, delivering torque even during the phase where the car is realigning following drifting or side-slipping.

Whereas a ‘normal’ traction control system delivers a sharp decoupling, waiting for a car to become completely stable before delivering torque again, the P-TCS car delivers torque in advance, avoiding a harsh torque cut and assuring better traction when exiting a corner.

The P-TCS intervention is calibrated according to the Huracan EVO RWD’s driving modes, selected via the steering wheel’s ANIMA button (Adaptive Network Intelligent Management: ‘soul’ in Italian). In Strada, the P-TCS minimizes rear wheel slippage to ensure stability and safety in all conditions: with a more proactive strategy P-TCS manages torque delivery on low-adhesion surfaces.

In Sport mode, the P-TCS maximizes the fun-to-drive experience: the rear wheels can slide and skate during acceleration, for easy drifting fun without compromising safety. The system recognizes conditions where the angle of over steer increases rapidly and limits torque delivery to the rear wheels, allowing the driver to perfectly control and stabilize the car.

In Corsa, the P-TCS is calibrated to achieve the rear-wheel slip that optimizes the car’s traction and agility when exiting a corner, allowing the driver to maximize performance. The P-TCS improves smoothness of intervention by 30 per cent compared to the previous Huracan RWD model; improves corner-exit traction by 20 per cent and enhances over steer by 30 per cent.

The Huracan EVO RWD’s hybrid chassis integrates lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber with an aluminum and thermoplastic resin body, with a total dry weight of 1,389 kg giving a weight-to-power ratio of 2.28 kg/hp. With front/rear weight distribution of 40/60, the Huracan EVO RWD sits on double wishbone suspension with overlapped quadrilaterals and passive shock absorbers. The electro-mechanical, servo-assisted Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) is tuned specifically for the Huracan EVO RWD, ensuring maximum feedback. The seven-speed dual clutch gearbox ensures the fastest gear changes, with launch control for maximum acceleration from a standing start. The 19-inch Kari rims with specially-developed Pirelli P Zero tyres are fitted with ventilated and cross-drilled steel brakes. As an option 20-inch rims and carbo-ceramic brakes are available.

The Huracan EVO RWD continues the V10 Lamborghini’s powerful design with new front and rear features, clearly differentiating it from its Huracan EVO 4WD stablemate. The Huracan EVO RWD is characterized by a sculpted, purposeful persona, complemented by a new front splitter and vertical fins within the larger, framed front air intakes. The rear bumper in high gloss black incorporates a new diffuser unique to the Huracan EVO RWD.

Inside, the cockpit features a HMI 8.4-inch touch screen in the centre console of the car, controlling all aspects of the car’s functions as well as managing full connectivity such as telephone calls, internet access, and including Apple Car Play.

Both inside and out, Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program provides unsurpassed options for colour and trim personalization, allowing owners of the Huracan EVO RWD to impose their individual style and personality on their new Lamborghini driving machine. In order to emphasize the shape of the car the new colour, Giallo Belenus (yellow), has been developed together with a dedicated leather and Alcantara colour for the interior trim, matching the new exterior paint.

The Lamborghini Huracan EVO RWD price starts from Rs 3.22 Cr (Ex-Showroom) PAN India.

Japanese carmaker Nissan will launch its first made for India Compact SUV on the philosophy of “Make in India, Make for the World” in 2020.

Building on Nissan’s global SUV heritage and advanced technology, the New Compact SUV is designed as a feature-rich premium offering with stylish design for a strong and dynamic road presence. Nissan’s new SUV features the latest technology as a part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision as to how vehicles are powered, driven and integrated into society.

The Compact SUV is a testimony to Nissan’s Global SUV DNA spirit of relentless innovation and Japanese engineering, building on Nissan’s iconic models such as the Patrol, Pathfinder, Armada, X-Trail, Juke, Qashqai and KICKS.

From Left to Right – Mr. Reetesh Vashisht- Zonal Manager- East, Tata Motors , Mr. Pratap Bose, VP – Global Design, Tata Motors launched the premium hatchback – Tata ALtroz today in Kolkata.

Marking its entry into the premium hatchback segment, Tata Motors today launched – the Altroz in Kolkata. The Altroz will be available in five trim levels across all Tata Motors authorized dealerships at an introductory price starting from Rs 5.29 lakhs for the base petrol variant and Rs 6.99 lakhs for the base diesel trim.

The Altroz is the first vehicle developed on the new ALFA architecture and the second vehicle showing the Impact 2.0 design language. It comes with a striking design, a number of industry-first features and a Global NCAP 5-star rating. The Altroz will come with six different factory-fitted customizable options.

According to Pratap Bose, Vice President – Global Design, Tata Motors, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our premium hatchback – The Tata Altroz. The Altroz is already a product that we are proud of as it is the second Tata as well as Indian car, to have received a 5-star Global NCAP rating. It is a landmark product and is a true representative of the Gold Standard in Safety, Design, Technology, Driving Dynamics and Customer Delight. We are confident that this product will not only deliver the best driving experience to our customers, but also set new benchmarks as we set foot into the premium hatchback segment.”

The Altroz sets a high standard in safety with its 5 Star Global NCAP rating. The car comes with safety features such as ABS, EBD and CSC as standard along with dual airbags.

Based on the Impact 2.0 design philosophy, the Altroz’s futuristic design consists of modern, intelligent and tastefully crafted interiors. The 90 degree opening doors ensure that there is enough space for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. The laser cut alloy wheels and premium black piano finish on the interiors adds to the style quotient.

Equipped with a 17.78 cm touchscreen Harman infotainment and impressive acoustics, the Altroz also comes with voice command recognition, Apple Car Play, Android Auto and the Turn-by-Turn feature, ensuring a seamless experience.

The Altroz is available with both petrol and diesel engines along with a fine-tuned suspension suitable to Indian road conditions. The cruise control feature along with multi-drive modes ensure comfortable driving in the city and on the highway.

The flat rear floor, rear AC vents, cabin space and 24 utility spaces ensure that the driving experience is convenient and comfortable. Spacious interiors along with a wearable key fob result in a hassle free experience for the customer.

Rajeev Chaba, President and MD – MG Motor India at the launch of the ZS EV SUV

MG (Morris Garages) Motor India has today launched the much-awaited ZS EV, India’s first pure electric internet SUV, at an inaugural price starting at Rs 19.88 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), for customers who have booked the car before midnight on 17th January 2020. The ZS EV Excite is now available for Rs 20.88 lakh while ZS EV Exclusive is available for Rs 23.58 lakh.

As part of its commitment to provide the best ownership experience, the carmaker has introduced the MG eShield, which provides privately-registered customers with a free-of-charge 5-year manufacturer warranty for unlimited kilometres on the car and 8 years / 150000 km warranty on the battery. It also offers round-the-clock roadside assistance (RSA) for a period of 5 years for privately-registered cars, along with 5 labour-free services. The ZS EV comes at a running cost of under Rs 1 per km (calculated up to 100,000 kilometres with preventive maintenance including parts, consumables, labour and taxes and as on date electricity rates in Delhi-NCR). It also comes with maintenance packages starting at Rs 7,700 for 3 years.

Apart from introducing the MG eShield, a one-stop solution for ZS EV customers, the company has also entered a strategic alliance with CarDekho.com, who would be offering a pioneering 3-50 plan, that provides assured resale value and can be availed by the customer by paying a stipulated amount at the time of purchase of ZS EV. CarDekho.com shall provide guaranteed buyback to ZS EV customers at a residual value of 50 per cent upon completion of three years of ownership.

Speaking on the price announcement, Rajeev Chaba, President and MD – MG Motor India, said, “The ZS EV is a globally-successful product that operates at the intersection of an EV’s sustainability, an SUV’s practicality, and a sports car’s performance. It comes with best-in-class features and tech capabilities at a compelling price point. We are confident that this unprecedented value proposition will incentivise more consumers across India to go electric. We will continue to strengthen the Indian EV landscape, as we offer the best of EV technology and act as the catalyst for the country’s nascent EV market by providing a complete, end-to-end ecosystem.”

The carmaker has received over 2,800 bookings in 27 days. The number of bookings received for the ZS EV outpaces the total number of EV cars sold in India in 2019. MG Motor India will begin ZS EV deliveries on January 27 across 5 cities – Delhi/NCR, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

The ZS EV marks an exciting new era for the MG brand globally has already registered significant success in more than 10 international markets such as the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. It received more than 2,000 orders within weeks of launch in the UK and Thailand respectively. The ZS EV has achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP rating.

MG Motor India is building a 5-way EV charging ecosystem in association with domain-leading players as an enabler and catalyst for the country’s EV revolution and to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly, next-generation mobility solutions. Each ZS EV comes with an on-board cable to charge anywhere. Customers can also get an AC fast charger installed at their homes/offices, free of cost, through MG’s association with Delhi-based eChargeBays. The carmaker has also partnered with Fortum Charge & Drive India to set up 10 DC 50 kW super-fast charging stations at select MG showrooms in 5 cities. Additionally, it plans to create an extended charging network across MG dealerships in select satellite cities along key routes and provide charge-on-the-go with RSA (Road Side Assistance).

Carlos Sainz (ESP) and his co-driver Lucas Cruz (ESP) have won the Rally Dakar for the third time, having previously triumphed in 2010 and 2018. In doing so, they presented MINI with its fifth overall victory at the iconic endurance rally. For MINI and MINI Motorsport partner X-raid, this was the first success since their winning run together, which lasted from 2012 to 2015. The Spanish pair, in the MINI John Cooper Works Buggy, finished 6:21 minutes ahead of last year’s winner Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT) after roughly 7,500 kilometres through Saudi Arabia, which was hosting the Dakar for the first time.

Carlos Sainz said: “I am very, very happy. So much hard work, physical training and test work with the team has gone into getting this result. The race was fantastic for us drivers, but you had to work very hard, right from day one. It is hard to imagine, but it was a full-throttle rally from the word go. Right now, I just want to enjoy the success.”

Dakar record winner Stéphane Peterhansel (FRA) and his co-driver Paulo Fiuza (POR) finished third, 9:58 minutes behind Sainz and Cruz, to round off an impressive performance from the two MINI JCW Buggies. The two MINI JCW Buggy crews each won four stages, while MINI vehicles went fastest on a total of nine of the twelve days. Vaidotas Zala (LTU) / Saulius Jurgelenas (LTU), in a MINI JCW Rally, won the very first Dakar stage on Arabian soil on the opening day.

Stéphane Peterhansel commented: “That was a bit of an odd Dakar for me. We decided at the last minute to change co-drivers, and then went straight into the race with Paulo Fiuza. I am happy with the result. We finished third, which was more than we would have expected at the start. The guys out in front were very quick and did not make any mistakes with the navigation. We did as well as we could have done.”

Seven of the nine MINI crews that started the rally reached the finish in Al-Quiddia (KSA), four of them in the top ten. Orlando Terranova (ARG) and Bernardo ‘Ronnie’ Graue (ARG) finished in the top three on three days on their way to sixth place overall in the four-wheel drive MINI JCW Rally. Local favourite Yasir Seaidan (KSA) and his co-driver Alexey Kuzmich (RUS) were ninth and finished an excellent second on the closing stage. Jakub ‘Kuba’ Przygonski (POL) and co-driver Timo Gottschalk (GER) had their hopes of a top result dashed on the opening day when a technical issue resulted in them losing six hours. They eventually finished in 19th place, 8:35.18 seconds off the lead.

Bernd Körber – Head of MINI said: “On behalf of the entire MINI family, I would like to congratulate Carlos Sainz, Lucas Cruz and the X-raid team on winning the 2020 Dakar Rally. At the same time, I also congratulate Stéphane Peterhansel and Paulo Fiuza on their podium finish. Unfortunately, this success is overshadowed by the tragic accidents involving Paulo Gonçalves and Edwin Straver, which have affected us all deeply. We wish the relatives every strength and Edwin Straver all the best for his recovery. Our drivers and the X-raid team performed superbly in Saudi Arabia, which was hosting the rally for the first time, and they were rewarded for the hard work they put in during preparations for the event. The MINI John Cooper Works Buggy proved to be fast and reliable on the very demanding and unfamiliar terrain. The fifth overall victory for MINI at the Dakar, and the first since 2015, is a very special moment for us all.”

MINI vehicles topped the overall standings after every one of the twelve legs at the 40th staging of the Dakar Rally. Zala and Jurgelenas got the ball rolling with victory on the opening stage, after which Terranova and Graue took the overall lead on day two. Sainz and Cruz claimed their first stage win on the third leg. That victory took them to the top of the overall standings – a position they held right through to the finish.

Sven Quandt – CEO X-raid commented: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by this superb team result. We did not expect to finish first and third. It has been a fantastic race, with many battles for the lead. Carlos and Stéphane did an outstanding job. The performance of our MINI JCW fleet was absolutely top-notch. We are delighted to have finally won another Dakar with our MINIs after so many years of trying. To have four MINIs in the top ten and seven in the top 20 shows how reliable we are. Thank you to our staff and to everyone who has believed in us and supported us – particularly MINI and our partners.”

Aston Martin today confirms production of a strictly limited number of the stunning new V12 Speedster. The car will make its global debut later this year, with discerning drivers around the world offered the opportunity to acquire this visceral celebration of the British sports car brand’s proud past and exciting future.

The V12 Speedster, created by in-house bespoke service Q by Aston Martin working with the brand’s talented team of designers and engineers, elegantly combines an authentic, driver-oriented sports car with the use of cutting-edge motorsport and aviation technology to deliver a stunning, two-seat, enthusiast driving machine.

The new car’s design, while modern and dynamic, also clearly nods to both Aston Martin’s legendary 1959 Le Mans 24 hours- and 1000 km of Nurburgring race-winning DBR1 and the marque’s Centenary CC100 Speedster Concept shown in 2013. It’s forward-looking features are shaped from the same advanced materials and expert engineering used throughout Aston Martin’s contemporary sports car range.

The Le Mans-winning DBR1, which in part inspired the V12 Speedster, delivered Aston Martin’s most high-profile motorsport triumph to date and, of course, needs no introduction. One of only three cars in the 1950s to win both the World Sports Car Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours in the same year, the DBR1 defined not only motorsport excellence but also exquisite design elegance – an enduring Aston Martin trademark.

The brand’s CC100 Speedster Concept, meanwhile, was produced in 2013 to celebrate Aston Martin’s centenary. It, too, helped to inspire the creation of the new V12 Speedster which is the product of more than 12 months of meticulous design and planning work by the teams from both Q by Aston Martin, and Aston Martin Design.

At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700 PS and 700 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.

Naturally, the powertrain found in the Aston Martin V12 Speedster has an abundance of character, with the engine note and sound quality playing an important part in the undeniably invigorating driving experience delivered here.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “The V12 Speedster we’re proud to confirm today once again showcases not only this great British brand’s ambition and ingenuity, but also celebrates our rich and unrivalled heritage.

“The 88 enthusiast drivers and collectors who secure the keys to these cars can be confident that in doing so, they are also securing an iconic new piece of Aston Martin history.”

Orders are now being taken for the 88 V12 Speedsters being hand built by the brand, with deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.