With 007 having already made the switch to the Aston Martin DBS, and the Vantage V12 fading out this year. Aston's offering a farewell edition. Actually, the latest fruit of Buckinghamshire is the Vanquish S "Ultimate Edition," and it's getting a black-on-black treatment — sorry "Ultimate Black." It's also getting a newly swank interior of semi-anline leather and chrome-finish fittings, as well as a number'd plaque (collect 'em all!). Only 40 will be produced, so back up the Brinks truck early and often. As a postscript, Aston's also offering an optional stickshift modification for buyers flummoxed with the Vanquish's Auto Shift paddles. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

Aston Martin Celebrates Flagship Vanquish Model

Aston Martin has announced two exciting developments for both new and existing customers of the company's flagship Vanquish S.

Just 40 examples of a new Vanquish S Ultimate Edition will be handcrafted at the company's Newport Pagnell production facility in Buckinghamshire. The model represents a luxurious and unique limited edition befitting the Vanquish S's status as the ultimate Aston Martin and also celebrates the skilled craftsmanship of the team working at Newport Pagnell.

The Ultimate Edition will be available by special request to customers wishing to celebrate the last of a significant car in Aston Martin's history. Initial feedback suggests the whole allocation of this special edition will be sold within weeks of launch.

The Ultimate Edition centres on changes to the Vanquish S's renowned colour and trim. On the exterior, these changes include a unique 'Ultimate Black' - a striking new colour which will only be available with this car. Inside, the Vanquish S cabin is trimmed in a semi-aniline leather, with coarse stitching, leather headlining and black chrome finish interior fittings. Each car will also be fitted with personalised sill plaques denoting the limited edition number.

The Vanquish S Ultimate Edition retains all performance capabilities of the standard Vanquish S - and accordingly its position as the fastest ever production Aston Martin, capable of a top speed in excess of 200mph (321km/h). No additional charge will be made for the Ultimate Edition, available only with the 2+2 seating arrangement, priced at 182,095.

For existing Vanquish customers, Aston Martin's world renowned Works Service department are to offer a new transmission conversion for owners of the company's flagship model, adding to their reputation for an unparalleled level of personalisation.

Serving as a further example of the depth of bespoke services available via Works Service, existing Vanquish owners will now be able to order a transmission conversion from the car's existing Auto Shift Manual (ASM) system, to a conventional stick-shift manual.

Working in conjunction with the company's Special Vehicles Operations team from Gaydon, Works Service has developed the system over the last 12 months, before previewing the conversion to selected Vanquish customers.

Kingsley Riding-Felce, Director, Customer Care and Works Service, said: "This project underlines our commitment to adapting to customer requests, whether they are for Aston Martins from the past or modern cars such as the Vanquish S."

Since its launch in 2001, the Vanquish has been equipped with fingertip controlled, Formula 1-style paddles which enables almost imperceptible gear changes in under 250 milliseconds. Advanced electronics also permit the close ratio six speed manual transmission to be programmed to operate automatically.

Drivers with a preference for a conventional stick-shift transmission will now have the option of this new Works Service-only modification which is available to order immediately, with prices commencing from 13,250 (+ VAT).

Established as a modern classic, the Vanquish's muscular 2+2 epitomises Aston Martin's core values of power, beauty and soul. It is the ultimate sports car for the discerning owner. Since its launch, the Vanquish has proved to be a huge success for Aston Martin with over 2000 cars delivered to customers around the world. In 2002 the Vanquish graced the screens of millions, starring alongside 007 in the James Bond film 'Die Another Day.'

Located at Newport Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, Aston Martin Works Service offers a factory-backed workshop with the experience necessary to care for any Aston Martin or Lagonda with unparalleled skill and attention to detail. With more than 40 years experience, the Works Service team offers accident repair, servicing, maintenance and even full restoration capabilities to Aston Martin and Lagonda owners. In 2006 more than 2000 customers called upon Works Service expertise, a number which is expected to be surpassed again in 2007.

8:07 AM on Wed Feb 14 2007
By Mike Spinelli
2,216 views
8 comments

Comments

CafeRacer1200 at 08:47 AM on 02/14/07
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So they have enough spares left over to build 40 cars, slap a new color and a few badges on them and call it an Ultimate Edition? Puhleeeze! If I wanted that, I could buy God knows how many of the limited edition Indy pace car Corvettes and STILL have money left over for insurance.
FЯeeMan at 10:38 AM on 02/14/07
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yes, Cafe, but everyone here in Indy has the goofy paint job Indy Pace Car edition 'Vette, not everyone has an Astin Martin. Of any sort.
clashtastic at 10:40 AM on 02/14/07
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CafeRacer, but you can get a STICK with it, which is what all real sports cars should have...oh, and its absolutely gorgeous, and its an aston martin which makes it even more ultimate.
clashtastic at 10:42 AM on 02/14/07
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Cafe, dag....you can get a stick shift on this which is what all real sports cars should have, and its absolutely gorgeous, and its an aston which makes it even more gorgeous and gives it SUPER ultimate POTENTIAL
rg at 11:13 AM on 02/14/07
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You're comparing an Aston with a Corvette! That's the real "Puhleeeze!" here. That's like comparing Hearst Castle with a double-wide.
CafeRacer1200 at 11:43 AM on 02/14/07
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RG:

I'm comparing false limiteds. A garish paint job or a few stick on trim pieces do not make a limited edition in my book. A limited should have something special to make it limited.

As for comparing Corvette to Aston? Since I already seem to have, I might as well. I know myself and 99% of my fellow commentors don't have the skills to take either car to it's absolute limits. Therefore, for me, it's all about bang for the buck. Exclusivity means nothing to me, nor do I need to reaffirm myself with labels, so I guess with that in mind the winner in the exotic category is clearly the Corvette. No matter what paint you use. Just make mine silver or black please.
akatsuki at 12:06 PM on 02/14/07
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Yeah, but do you really want an interior that is worse than a Civic? Not that I think the Aston is a good deal since the 911 is cheaper and has more space and is more reliable. But then again, the Aston is far prettier than just about anything current on the road except for maybe the Maserati QP...
dculberson at 01:50 PM on 02/14/07
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The Aston is beautiful. But "you can't compare x to y" is ridiculous - of course you can. You can compare a Trabby to a Murcielago if you want.

The Trabby wins, of course.

Corvette versus Aston? If money wasn't part of the eq, I'd take the Aston any day. But with money involved, I won't buy either one. I'd rather have an Atom and a Lexus.