Perodua ‘Alvan’ Rendered By Theophilus Chin

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The Perodua Alza has been around for a good long while now, serving to fill the space in the Perodua lineup for buyers either looking for a more spacious option than a Perodua Myvi, or those who really want their 7-seater not to sit so far off the ground like a Perodua Aruz. It’s for this reason that the Alza, which has been on the market for nearly 11-years now, continues to represent a healthy chunk of Perodua’s annual sales figures. 

The Alza’s multi-purpose nature, with its long wheelbase and roofline, has meant that it serves more purposes than just as a people-carrier. Within the Perodua factory you’ll find Alza’s serving as shuttle cars, whereas a large proportion of SME operators adore their Alzas because of just how much flotsam you can cart around in them.

To that end, renowned photo-manipulator Theophilus Chin has put stylus to drawing pad to bring us his rendition of an Alza panel van, which he’s christened the ‘Alvan.’ With only an exterior rendering to go on, the changes are pretty obvious – in keeping with its status as a commercial vehicle, the ‘Alvan’ rides on steel wheels, with unpainted bumpers on either end and a pair of unpainted door mirrors.

The lack of finish continues with the door handles as well as the tailgate garnish, but the eagle-eyed amongst you would have probably also noticed that the taillights have been swapped out for bulb-type units, eschewing the LED-units that you get as standard in Alzas now.

Theo did however go a little further beyond the usual this time by rendering the Alvan as two versions – one with standard doors like the existing car, and one as a sliding-door version like a proper van. Which one do you think is best? Let us know in the comments below.

GALLERY: Perodua ‘Alvan’ by Theophilus Chin

2020 Hyundai Kona Now Open For Booking – Prices From RM11Xk, RM288 Booking Fee, Launch In Q4 2020

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Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Malaysia, has just officially opened the order books on the Kona compact-crossover, a good two years after the car was first previewed locally in the metal. This development comes just a little while after an official interior teaser was shown off on their Facebook page, stirring interest in the sharply-styled crossover.

In a press release, HSDM has confirmed that the Kona will be arriving as a fully-imported model built in Hyundai’s plant in Ulsan, South Korea. With the Kona, Hyundai’s number of SUV offerings will rise to three, with the Kona joining the Tucson and Santa Fe. They have also confirmed that the Kona is set to go on sale in Q4 of this year. 

Measuring in at 4,165mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,550mm tall sitting on a 2,600mm wheelbase, the Kona is shorter, lower, but wider than the segment-conquering Honda HR-V which it will have to compete with upon arrival.

Notably, HSDM has gone on to reveal that the new Kona will be offered with LED headlights, as well as a heads-up display projecting key driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

“We are excited about the launch of the Kona as it’s an entirely new product for us in this segment and we are reassured of a good response for the Kona. The Compact SUV is in great demand not only in Malaysia, but globally as well.”

Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director, Hyundai-Sime Darby Malaysia

Launched in 2017, the Kona has gone on to be a major sales success for the Korean marque, racking up more than 600,000 sales across the globe (excluding Hybrid and Electric variants). With multiple awards under its belt, the Kona is set to shake up the Malaysian market rather substantially upon arrival.

There does however remain two questions: Price, and Powertrain. On the latter front, sources are claiming that HSDM may offer the Kona with a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (177PS/265Nm), paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. This would be the same powertrain that was shown in the Kona when it was first locally previewed at the KL International Motor Show back in 2018. However, it is equally possible that the Kona may arrive with a 2.0-litre MPI mill instead, which is currently employed in the Hyundai Elantra.

And then of course there is the matter of price. Hyundai has teased on its website that the Kona will go on sale for “RM11x,xxx” which suggests a price between RM110k and RM120k. This would put it above the Honda HR-V price-wise, but below the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota C-HR. That’s a pretty remarkable price-point given that the Kona is set to arrive as a CBU-import – the Toyota C-HR is also fully-imported, and its RM144k price tag doesn’t do it any favours.

The Hyundai Kona will certainly have a lot to contend with upon arrival. In addition to the Honda HR-V that’s dominated the segment since its launch, rivals like the aforementioned Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, as well as other rivals like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, as well as upcoming rivals like the Kia Seltos and PROTON X50. 

GALLERY: Hyundai Kona

Jaguar XE Gets Facelifted – R-Dynamic, 300PS, RM396k With SST-Exemption

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It has been announced by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia that the facelifted Jaguar XE saloon has gone on sale here locally, bringing the compact executive saloon up to date with the rest of the lineup. Notably, the update sees the bundling of updated aesthetics alongside a new powertrain, with the car itself now available on our shores in a solitary R-Dynamic trim. 

Under the bonnet lies the biggest update – the XE facelift is now motivated by a 2.0-litre Ingenium engine which, in P300 tune, produces a neat 300PS and 400Nm. Power goes to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic, with the century sprint dispatched in a mere 5.9-seconds before going on to a top speed of 250km/h. 

Visual changes are minimal with this update, with the face gaining slimmer, sleeker LED headlights featuring the signature J-shaped daytime running lights, as well as a new front bumper that’s more aggressive and pointed, in keeping with the R-Dynamic trim that the XE is now offered in.

Rearwards you’ll find a new set of taillights with the ‘chicane’ light signature as per what’s been seen on the Jaguar F-Pace and I-Pace, while the rear bumper gains dark mesh trim on the lower bumper as well as a variety of 18-inch alloy wheel design options.

The cabin sees more significant updates however – there are sports seats now which feature contrasting stitching for more visual flair, a brushed-chrome pair of paddle shifters, a new steering wheel (nicked wholesale from the all-electric I-Pace), and a new gear selector. 

But it’s the centre console that’s been given the most notable change, as it now features the brand’s latest Touch Pro Duo system. Two high-resolution displays are stacked atop one another with a 10-inch screen up top and a smaller 5.5-inch unit down below, allowing for greater input options and an improved sense of plushness in the cabin.

With the improved infotainment system comes improved connectivity, with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto as standard, as well as ‘Smart Settings,’ which uses artificial intelligence to understand and learn the preferred settings of individual drivers and allows the car to make adjustments to the seats, the entertainment, the climate control, and the mirrors automatically.

There’s also wireless charging of course, because it’d be a sin to let your phone go flat.

The new Jaguar XE R-Dynamic is available in showrooms today starting at RM395,831 (without road tax or insurance, but inclusive of the 50% SST reduction under the PENJANA stimulus plan). All cars, including the new XE R-Dynamic, comes bundled with a 5-year warranty, 5-years free scheduled servicing, and 3-years of roadside assistance. 

GALLERY: 2020 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic

Mini John Cooper Works GP Arrives In Malaysia – 10 Units, 306hp, RM378k

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While Mini models have long been known for offering go-kart thrills in a city-friendly package, MINI Malaysia has turned up the wick today by offering the most powerful MINI in history – the new, limited-edition Mini John Cooper Works GP.

“In MINI’s 60-years of gracing both the racetracks and the streets, we continue to be revelled for our legendary racing success. Today, 14-years on, designers and engineers are paying tribute to the first MINI John Cooper Works GP once again with the successor – the fastest and most powerful MINI GP ever built.”

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

Minis have always been known to offer immense driving pleasure, but it’s safe to say that every aspect of the new JCW GP pushes everything to the extreme. This is evident in both the engine and performance characteristics – This is an intense, purist race feeling machine, conveyed by what is by far the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI, with suspension technology that is fine-tuned based on John Cooper Works’ extensive racing expertise and a body that’s been weight-optimised as much as possible.

Under the bonnet lies the star of the show – with 306hp and 450Nm, this is the peppiest and punchiest MINI ever. 0-100km/h is handled in just 5.2-seconds, and it’ll go onward to a top speed of 265km/h. All this punch is what enabled the the JCW GP to lap the Nürburgring in less than 8-minutes, making it significantly faster than the car it replaces. 

The JCW GP will only be made available in its exclusive Racing Grey metallic, with the roof & mirror caps finished in Melting Silver. The hexagonal radiator grille, inserts in the lower air intake and the inside of the roof spoiler is finished in a contrasting Chili Red, accentuated by GP insignia in Rosso Red matte on the front, the rear, the outer sides of the enormous spoiler, and in the foils above the side skirts and door sills.

However, black is utilised to finish off the surrounds for the lights, the central radiator grille, the handles, the fuel filler cap, the bonnet inlay, and the MINI logos on either end. This is, purportedly, to emphasise the uncompromisingly sporty flair of the new JCW GP.

In all four corners you’ll find 18-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels, weighing less than 9kg each, finished off with GP logos in the centre caps. Above each of the alloys you’ll find the bold and unmissable wheel arch flares, manufactured through a special process and material combination that is a first for the BMW Group, with a thermoplastic substructure finished with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) on the outside.

You will also find emblazoned on the front arches a 4-digit number, denoting the actual build number of the car itself. Only 3000 of these cars are available globally, and the numbers on the fenders will denote where in that limited production run each car sits in.

Inside the first thing you’ll notice are the seats – lightweight units to, well, reduce weight, they’re upholstered in Dynamica leather with silver side edges, red accentuation seams and seat belts, and a GP badge beneath the integrated headrests. On the passenger’s side of the dash you’ll find a piece of trim again bearing the individual build number of each car, produced using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process. That same process features on the steering wheel for the centre marking for the 12 o’clock position, as well as the paddle shifters. 

GP logos finish off the cabin on the floor mats, matched by twin stripes on the gear selector, and the bright-red cross-member that sits behind the front seats. No, there is no back seat in the JCW GP – you didn’t really think there would be, did you?

In the centre of it all you’ll find the MINI Visual Boost infotainment system, replete with navigation and accompanied by a 5-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The JCW GP is also pretty well equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, a must-have in the premium segment, going some way to make up for the lack of Android Auto. 

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is available at all authorised MINI dealerships across the country, with prices set at RM377,470.90 including the current SST tax exemption for fully-imported vehicles.

The Mini JCW GP is covered by the same 4-year/unlimited mileage warranty as other MINI models, along with 5-years roadside assistance and other benefits. 

Reckon that this is the track machine to set your heart alight? Let us know in the comments below. 

GALLERY: 2020 MINI John Cooper Works GP – RM377,470.90 with SST exemption

Mini Electric Makes Local Debut – 270km Range, 28.9kWh Battery, RM218k

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For the first time in its 6-decade history, British marque Mini has finally come to embrace the electric mobility revolution in the form of the all-new Mini Electric. Making its local debut today, the Mini Electric also marks an important milestone for parent company BMW Group Malaysia, as it now offers the most number of all-electric models in its lineup compared with any other brand available locally. Joining the BMW i3s, the Mini Electric represents an important shift for the Mini brand as well as BMW Group, as the German conglomerate positions itself aptly to take on the wave of battery-electric vehicles.

“For the very first time and in celebrating MINI’s 61st birthday, we are thrilled to bring this innovation into reality with the New All-Electric MINI. Since we introduced the first electrified MINI model with the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, electrified MINIs have become a fan-favourite worldwide. In 2019, MINI delivered close to 17,000 units of the Countryman PHEV worldwide. This success drives our commitment towards electromobility even further as it underlines the increasing shift towards electrified vehicles among MINIacs globally.”

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director, BMW Group Malaysia

Available as a 3-door, the Mini Electric occupies no more space than its conventionally-powered siblings. Despite that, they’ve managed to cram a 28.9kWh battery in a T-shaped configuration under the skin. Thanks to that, the Mini Electric enjoys a maximum range of 270km (based on the NEDC cycle), with motivation provided by a 184hp/270Nm motor that powers the front wheels. “Maximum thrill of the road without the carbon footprint,” they claim. 

Notably, the battery can be recharged from 0-80% in just 36-minutes via a DC fast-charger, though more realistically you can expect similar results from a MINI Wallbox charger or a public charger in about 2.5-hours. Additionally, power can be recuperated via braking regeneration, which on its own is significant enough to enable one-pedal driving for the first time on a series-production MINI.

To mark it out as the new Mini Electric, the car features lots of unique flourishes about the place guaranteed to draw your eye. There are specific bumpers and a grille up front in grey with an Energetic Yellow E-Badge. And there are grille blades that can be had in either grey or yellow, depending on how bold you’re willing to be. Lighting is provided by Matrix LEDs on the front and signature Union Jack units at the rear, while there are E-Badges on the side scuttles too to mark it out. The mirror caps have been aerodynamically-optimised for minimum drag, and can be had in either Black or Energetic Yellow, while all mirrors (exterior & interior) offer anti-dazzle functionality as standard. 

The Mini Electric also runs on 17-inch dual-tone alloys as standard, with run-flat tyres.

Round the back, you can find a charging flap with an embossed E-Badge as well, marking it out as the all-electric model. However, the tailgate handle comes in grey as standard to provide contrast, as do the E-Bagdes and model badging that feature Energetic Yellow also for contrast.

Stepping inside, you’ll find unique features like the Electric Cockpit Fascia, the yellow start-stop button, unique floor mats and gear lever, as well as the brake-regent toggle. Both driver and front passenger get to enjoy dual-zone climate control while seated on carbon-black cross-punch leather seats, while they’ll be dazzled by the 12-colour ambient lighting setup when the singes down. There’s also a sports steering wheel that’s leather-wrapped for the driver, as well as a raised centre console with integrated electric parking brake. Centre-stage is an 8.8-inch infotainment display with the MINI Connected suite, as well as a MINI-first all-digital instrument cluster for the first time. 

Despite the need for a battery, it hasn’t hampered the Mini Electric’s practicality at all. There’s 211L of space behind the rear seats as standard, just like the regular three-door model, while the total maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded is rated at 731L. Adding to the practicality is Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring as well as a wireless charging tray, though it’s noteworthy that Android Auto remains noticeably omitted. 

Another unique feature of the Mini Electric pertains to the all-important driving experience – the four driving modes on offer (Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+) are all tailored to suit the new state-of-the-art MINI eDrive system, which offers things like the Green Driving Assistant that features the Range Assistant that suggests routes and solutions should there be insufficient charge for any given journey. There’s also an efficient Green Route that will suggest driving mode and stop-overs at charging stations, while the navigation system will automatically show a given range based on the charge level at any given time.

The Mini Electric also offers connectivity via the MINI Connected app. With Connected, you can monitor your Mini’s charge level at any given time, monitor your driving stats, and even read up on how you can maximise the efficiency of your drive. Additionally, you can also precondition the car to a set temperature while it’s being charged, ensuring that you enjoy comfortable motoring no matter the time of day. 

Debuting on the Mini Electric is the Driving Assistant package, which consists of automatic high-beam at speeds above 50km/h, city-speed autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. You also get autonomous parking and all-round parking sensors as standard. 

The new Mini Electric can be had in the exclusive White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, or you can have it in British Racing Green, or Chili Red. The new Mini Electric is available through all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide beginning today, priced at RM218,380.78

Like all new MINI models, the Mini Electric is covered by a 4-year warranty with 5-years roadside assistance, as well as free towing services, replacement vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services. The battery is separately covered by an 8-year/100,000km warranty.

The Mini Electric can be had with Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, with ownership starting at RM2,421/month bases on an 80% loan estimate over a 5-year tenure. 

Like the new Mini Electric? Reckon 270km range is more than enough for you to do your daily commute? Let us know in the comments below.

GALLERY: 2020 MINI Electric – Launch Gallery

REVIEWED: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 – Justified Premium

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The Toyota RAV4 made quite a splash when it was launched here earlier this year for all the wrong reasons – while the size, safety, and refinement of the RAV4 were all pros, its price was what got all the attention. With two variants on offer, differentiated only by their powertrain, prices started at a little over RM200k – marking a gap of over RM100k from its main rival, the PROTON X70.

However, the RAV4 does claw back some brownie points. For starters, its inclusion of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (bundling Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Pre-Collision Warning) makes it one of the most comprehensively-equipped entrants in that regard, and its offering of a large naturally-aspirated engine will no doubt appeal to buyers looking for a low-stress low-maintenance option in their large SUV.

Speaking of large, the use of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform also means there’s acres of space inside for people and things, who can all enjoy the added refinement and comfort offered by it. It claims the largest boot in its class, and its rear seat space is arguably one of the better showings we’ve seen. And when you add to that features like Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, ventilated front seats, and a two-stage reclining rear bench, you realise that UMW Toyota’s been very smart about how it’s packaged the 5th-generation RAV4 for our market.

Would it be more attractive as a locally-assembled proposition? Sure, of course it would be. But does it suffer as a result of being fully imported? Well…

GALLERY: 2020 TOYOTA RAV4 2.5

2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupé AMG-Line – 2.0-litre Turbo, 204hp, 300Nm, RM337k

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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has today introduced an updated version of its C200 Coupé AMG-Line, which offers even more live connectivity as well as a new powertrain. There’s a new engine under the bonnet – a 4-cylinder turbo unit now replaces the 1.5-litre EQ Boost mild-hybrid engine, and there’s more smarts in the cabin too. And all of this, for RM336,129.38 (with SST tax exemption).

We’ll talk about the exterior first – the C200 Coupé continues to put its foot forward in AMG-Line trim, with its more aggressive bumpers on either end and a diamond-pin grille between the full-LED headlights. 18-inch twin-five spoke alloys in a bi-tone finish sit in every corner (with run-flat tyres), and full-LED taillights round up the exterior features.

Under the bonnet there’s a new engine – it’s now ‘upgraded’ with a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill producing 204hp and 300Nm, with power going to the rear wheels via a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. The century sprint is now completed in just 7.2-seconds, with V-max rated at 245km/h.

Previously, the C200 Coupé AMG-Line used to hit 100km/h in 7.9-seconds and tapped out at 239km/h. Rated fuel consumption for the ‘new’ engine is 6.8L/100km.

Inside, there’s still a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, while it continues to offer the same Audio 20 GPS system, there’s now full LTE connectivity – but that will require its own paragraph.

The biggest update to the C200 Coupé AMG-Line comes in the form of Mercedes me connect, allowing customers to be fully connected to the car at all times. With me connect via the app, you can lock & unlock the car, remote-start the engine (allowing you to pre-condition the cabin before entry), and locate the vehicle remotely. 

The rest of the cabin remains unchanged, in the form of Artico faux-leather upholstery, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, AMG floor mats & pedals, powered front seats with lumbar support, an extensive ambient lighting system, and anthracite open-pore wood trim.

They’ve also included a Qi wireless charging tray, though the purpose of that is unclear given that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both need wired connections…

The new C200 Coupé AMG-Line continues to offer features like cruise control, blind spot monitoring, active brake assist and pre-collision warning, active parking assist, and a reverse camera. We’ve actually driven the C300 Coupé AMG-Line – check out our review of the more powerful sibling here.  

GALLERY: 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupé AMG-Line, with Mercedes me connect

2021 PROTON Perdana Render Proves The Relevance Of D-Segment Saloons

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With the meteoric rise of SUVs, it seems like every other category of passenger car out there has been left by the wayside. Saloons especially have been heavily hit as SUVs become more and more prevalent, with buyers keen to associate with the more active and engaging image that comes with buying and driving a sport-utility vehicle.

Earlier this week however, Chinese carmaker Geely unveiled the production-ready version of its Preface saloon, a large D-segment three-box machine that would sit where the PROTON Perdana once was. With its bold design and assertive stance, the Geely Preface is a solid indicator of where the company intends to head design-wise for its saloons – and that’s important for the local market too.

Where SUVs have become the de rigeur accessory for up-and-coming families, the large saloon car still has its place, as shown expertly in these renders by image-manipulation whiz Theophilus Chin. The ‘2021 Perdana’ seen here is based on the Preface and incorporates various current PROTON design elements like the Ethereal Bow grille and Infinite Weave pattern into the overall car, and shows exactly why models like these remain appealing. 

The Geely Preface is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which was primarily engineered by Swedish marque (and Geely subsidiary) Volvo. CMA has since been employed notably on the Volvo XC40, and is designed to accommodate internal-combustion, petrol-electric hybrid, and full-electric powertrains.

GALLERY: ‘2021 PROTON PERDANA’ by Theophilus Chin

Porsche Taycan On Track For Introduction This Year – SDAP Celebrates A Decade With Porsche

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Sime Darby Auto Performance, the sole official distributor of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia, has reiterated its intent to launch the all-electric Porsche Taycan in our market this year. Despite the pandemic and global economic recession, SDAP is still keen on introducing the first-ever all-electric production Porsche this year, likely as a way to celebrate its 10th year as the official Porsche distributor in our market. 

There were concerns about whether or not SDAP would be able to do it, given the current state of things. But via a short clip on their Facebook page, SDAP made clear that the new Taycan will be here before the year is up, but it hasn’t gone as far as to confirm when exactly it’ll do so.

However, while SDAP made clear that the new Taycan will be here before the year is up but it hasn’t gone as far as to confirm when exactly it’ll do so.

What’s also unclear is how the Taycan will arrive in our market – the Taycan is available globally as a standard model (dubbed ‘Taycan’), the Taycan 4S, the Taycan Turbo, and the Taycan Turbo S. The most powerful of the four models packs two electric motors (one on either axle) to produce 751hp and 1,050Nm, capable of rocketing the Taycan Turbo S from nought to 100km/h in just 2.8-seconds, and on to a top speed of 260km/h.

The Turbo and 4S also use a dual-motor setup but they’re down-tuned to produce 671hp/850Nm and 523hp/640Nm respectively. That said, the 4S can be upgraded to include the ‘Performance Battery Plus’ pack (which is standard on the Turbo & Turbo S models) which then upgrades performance to 563hp and 650Nm.

The Turbo, Turbo S, and the Performance Battery Plus-equipped models come with a 93.4kWh battery pack, while the Taycan & Taycan 4S make do with a 79.2kWh unit. All variants offer both AC and DC charging, with a 463km maximum range via WLTP testing standards. 

In addition to the Taycan, it’s likely that Some Darby will be throwing out more goodies to mark its decade of cooperation with Porsche in Malaysia. Back in 2020, Porsche Asia Pacific (PAP) sought a new main distributor for the Porsche franchise here in Malaysia, and Sime Darby stepped in to fill the role. 

GALLERY: 2020 PORSCHE TAYCAN TURBO S

Q by Aston Martin Creates New 007 Limited Edition Sports Cars to Celebrate ‘No Time To Die’

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Aston Martin is celebrating the release of the 25th James Bond film, with two exclusive 007 special editions inspired by the cars featured in No Time to Die. This new collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios, delivers exciting new 007 editions of the Aston Martin Vantage and DBS Superleggera.

No Time To Die will be released around the world in November 2020 and will feature no fewer than four iconic Aston Martin sports cars: the iconic DB5; the classic Aston Martin V8; the brand’s latest super GT, DBS Superleggera; and the exceptional Aston Martin Valhalla – the company’s forthcoming mid-engined hypercar.

The two special editions that celebrate the release of No Time To Die, each of which is being offered in limited numbers to buyers around the world from today, have been carefully designed and crafted by the experts in Aston Martin’s bespoke division: Q by Aston Martin. Aspiring to offer the ultimate in bespoke personalisation services, Q by Aston Martin delivers both carefully curated special editions such as these, as well as the opportunity for individual owners to embark on the creation of utterly individual sports cars via the Q by Aston Martin – Commission service.

The first of the two models is the Vantage 007 Edition, inspired by the original Aston Martin V8 which made its 007 debut in The Living Daylights in 1987 and also features in No Time to Die. The movie sees James Bond uncover the car from his personal lock-up in London.

Building on the formidable sporting style and aggressive performance of the regular Vantage, the new car features unique exterior styling treatments led by a bespoke mesh grille with chrome bezel that references the look of the brand’s classic V8. Further styling details include a dashed yellow diffuser inspired by the hazard stripes on the film car’s rockets. The Vantage 007 Edition can even be delivered with a set of The Living Daylights inspired limited edition skis and ski rack – referencing the ‘winterised’ V8 saloon from the film.

The car will be delivered in authentic Cumberland Grey exterior paint colour, whilst the interior will be presented in obsidian black leather and dark chrome with 007 branding applied on the centre console of cars equipped with a manual gearbox. The sun visors of all the cars will carry another subtle film reference in the shape of an embroidered radio station frequency – 96.60 (FM) – which 007 buffs will know was the Russian police frequency Bond used to aid his escape in The Living Daylights.

The seats themselves feature unique heritage fluting reminiscent of that seen in the V8, along with carbon fibre seat backs and, in a particularly detailed nod to the 1980s film, the outline of cello ‘f holes’ inspired by the memorable cello chase scene featuring James Bond (Timothy Dalton) and Kara Milovy (Maryam D’Abo).

The driver can indulge themselves further with a laser-etched gadget plaque that references the various weapons and devices seen on the original film car. These included a rocket motor, missiles, lasers, a targeting display and ski outriggers. Cross hairs etched onto the car’s paddle shift gear levers allude to the missile guidance system seen in the film, too. Available as a manual or automatic, the Vantage 007 Edition also boasts a side strake Vantage badge and is limited to 100 units globally.

“Creating a 007 Edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to develop and style a car that embodies the legend of James Bond. It is an honour to apply the carefully-judged 007-inspired styling to our sports cars, which gives our customers the opportunity to own a unique piece of both cinematic and automotive history.”

Marek Reichman, Vice President & Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin

To celebrate the James Bond debut of the range-topping Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, a second unique 007 Edition has been created.

Strictly limited to just 25 production cars available worldwide and featuring the same specification as the muscular DBS Superleggera featured in the upcoming film, the car has a suitably menacing road presence.

The 715bhp provided by the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine is befitting of the car’s range-topping status while its torque peak, at 900Nm, is not only substantial in its own right but, as things currently stand, the greatest torque figure for any roadgoing Aston Martin yet produced.

To this potent mix, the DBS Superleggera 007 Edition adds a raft of styling and design enhancements that further elevate its appeal. The car sports special Ceramic Grey exterior paint with the roof, mirror caps, splitter, diffuser and rear Aeroblade II featured in black tinted carbon fibre. Also unique to the 007 Edition are visually striking Gloss Black diamond-turned Y-Spoke 21” wheels. This special edition also features a 007 fender badge, finished in chrome with a black enamel infill and Stainless Steel Silver 007 foil applied to the rear spoiler blade.

Inside, the cockpit of this DBS Superleggera is a dark, brooding, leather-clad environment with flashes of red detailing the outline of the seats. Subtle 007 branding can be found on the door cards, armrest buckle badge and on the rear sub-woofer cover. The car is finished with a sill plaque that recognises it is one of just 25 DBS Superleggera 007 Editions. 

The DBS Superleggera 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £279,025 (RM1,530,763.75 before tax) and the Vantage 007 Edition with a recommended retail price from RRP £161,000 (RM883,264.81 before tax)are on sale separately now. First deliveries will begin in Q1 2021.

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