Aston Martin Shows Strong Line-Up in Geneva

Five years ago, Aston Martin got out from under Ford’s stewardship and became independent of the flailing American company. Good thing it has, too, because it’s powering ahead with new models, new direction and a new-found lease on life.

Spearheading the stand at the Geneva Motor Show is the Aston Martin V12 Zagato, one of the best sounding cars ever made. The real pity is that only 150 will ever be made. And just incase you weren’t aware, the car was actually designed at Aston Martin’s studios in Gaydon, not at Zagato.

Also on show was the newly revamped Vantage range for 2012. Taking key elements from the Vantage S, including the seven-speed Sportshift II transmission, the 2012 Vantages also get better steering and styling.

The DBS and Rapide were also on display, as well as cars from the Q programme. “Q by Aston Martin” is a personalization service which allows for bespoke colors, tailoring and other features, including specific color matching.

Mr. Bond can now have his own distinctive DBS, should he so desire.

2012 sees Aston Martin offering fifteen models, including Rapide, the DBS Coupe and DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and Volante, DB9 Coupe and DB9 Volante, the V8 Vantage Coupe and Vantage Roadster, the Vantage S Coupe and Roadster and the V12 Vantage. In addition, there is the Cygnet city car and One-77 supercar, while the line-up will be joined by the V12 Zagato in mid-2012.