F1-inspired Aston Martin Vantage S models revealed

ASTON Martin has uncovered its distinctive Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition, available with either a V8 or V12 powertrain, ahead of its public debut during next month’s season opening-Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

In fact, buyers Down Under will be given top priority with the new car, as “customers in Australia and New Zealand are receiving priority for the first global allocations”, according to an Aston Martin spokesperson.

Prices kick off from $259,995 driveaway for the 313kW/470Nm V8-equipped Vantage S, while the 421kW/620Nm V12 version carries a $422,770 before on-roads costs, and production will be limited to 17 models for Australia and five for New Zealand.

Produced to celebrate Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin’s ‘innovation partnership’, the special-edition sportscars will be finished in a racecar livery-inspired deep Mariana Blue with either red or yellow highlights featured in the front grille and fender strakes.

However, customers can also opt for Tungsten silver or satin Mariana Blue duco with the same contrasting styling flourishes if desired.

Yellow callipers adorn all Red Bull Racing Edition Aston Martins, as does an exposed carbon-fibre front splitter, rear diffuser, grille, side strakes and tail-light insets.

Inside, the British brand’s in-house personalisation Q department has fitted the special Vantage S models with Red Bull Racing-branded headrests, diamond-quilted seats, an Alcantara steering wheel with 12 o’clock accent stripe and carbon-fibre dashboard inlays.

Formula One superfans can also tick a box to include the signature of either Australian Daniel Ricciardo or Dutch Max Verstappen – both Red Bull Racing F1 drivers – on the door sill and inspection plaque.

Aston Martin president and CEO Dr Andy Palmer said the special supercars exemplify the essence of the British car-maker.

“Motorsport is and will always be a key part of Aston Martin’s DNA and both the V8 and V12 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Editions bring that ethos straight to our customers,” he said.

“With the 2017 FIA Formula 1 World Championship set to begin soon, I hope that the purchase of these models will bring the racing season that little bit closer for those lucky few customers who can’t wait for it to begin.”Last year Aston Martin sold 115 of its sportscars in Australia, an 11.5 per cent drop over the 2015 total, with models on offer including the new DB11, four-door Rapide and range-topping V12-powered Vanquish.