The Centenary Rapide S has been limited, as fitting for the occasion to just 100 cars, each finished to an exacting specification. One of the most striking feature of the Centennial Edition Rapide S is the use of unique ‘gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Skyfall Silver with inner Meteorite Silver contrast on the bonnet of the car. The unique gradiated paint scheme is achieved by a meticulous process that adds an additional 18 man hours to the painting of the car. The darker inner colour is applied to the panels with a special “mini–jet” spray gun and once applied, the panel is then sanded using a very fine abrasive pad and a fresh coat of lacquer is applied. The panel is then finally sanded and polished to ensure that the line between the light and dark colours is totally smooth to even the lightest touch.

All the Centenary Editions receive bespoke sterling silver AM wings badges, to a new design featuring additional rays within the wings visible through the transparent enamel. Numbered sill plaques, individually numbered with an Aston Martin hallmark and also of sterling silver are fitted.

The interior is finished in Deep-soft Obsidian Black Leather, previously only available of the One-77. It is similar to semi-aniline hide but goes through a more labour-intensive and exclusive process and dried naturally compared to normal semi-aniline that is forced dried. This makes the leather much softer and richer in its feel.

Detailed specification of the Rapide Centenary Edition is as follows:-

• ‘Gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Skyfall Silver with Meteorite Silver contrast along the  bonnet and roof
• Rear diffuser in contrast Meteorite Silver
• Also available as single tone Skyfall Silver or single tone Meteorite Silver
• 10-spoke Silver Diamond Turned Wheels
• Silver Brake Calipers
• Deep-soft Obsidian Black Leather and welt with silver stitching
• Silver thread embroidery of Aston Martin wings in the headrests
• Tailor Grey Blend Alcantara Headlining
• Obsidian Black Carpet and Binding
• Piano Black pack
• Black steering wheel
• Obsidian Black Parcel Shelf
• Obsidian Black Parcel Shelf Strap
• 1000W B&O BeoSound system
• Customer Presentation Box with gifts

The Chinese market versions of the Centenary Edition cars differ from much of the rest of the world as they have a unique ‘gradiated’ 2-tone paint scheme of Dana Point White primary / Lightning Silver contrast. This has been contrasted with  an interior of Chancellor Red Semi-aniline leather with silver stitching and silver thread embroidery of the Aston Martin wings in the headrests. It will also be possible for customers to specify either Dana Point White or Lightning Silver as single tone paint.

Perhaps the most successful of the 2013 special editions, 49 examples Rapide S Centenary Editon were built. Although extremely rare in Europe, they were popular in the North American and Chinese markets.

Images supplied with the kind assitance of Aston Martin Lagonda

The close ratio 7 speed close ratio ‘Sportshift II’ automated manual was at launch, the only transmission option for the Vantage S. The brand new bespoke unit by Graziano with hydraulics by Magneti Marelli  both lighter and faster than the previous 6 speed version. Operated by paddles behind the steering wheel for manual mode, it can also be used as a regular auto by pressing the D button on the facia. The advantages of Sportshift II are many, it is significantly lighter package than previously – and lighter than similar DSC gearboxes used on competitors, it is 20% faster in changing gear and with close ratios and thus allows the engine to operate in the optimum part of the tourque curve when accelerating hard.

The engine fitted to the Vantage S is a revised version of the 4.7 litre V8, now with 430bhp peak power and 490Mn of torque (10bhp and 20Nm more than the standard 4.7 litre V8 Vantage). This has been achieved by a valved air intake system which allows more air to flow into the engine above 3500rpm and an aggressive spark strategy which permits advanced ignition for maximum power. The slight downside is that to benefit most from this strategy, the S requires high octane (99 or 100 RON) fuel. In order to distinguish the S spec engine, the intake manifold is painted black instead of silver. The exhaust has also been modified to that of the V12 Vantage with greater capacity and less back pressure, plus in ‘sport’ mode, the exhaust valve stays open for a greater part of the rev range. Performance of the S has been significantly improved over the regular car with an increase in top speed from 180mph to 189mph.

Revisions to the chassis includes a quicker steering rack, two piece floating disc front braking system with cast iron discs with 6 pot Brembo calipers, new springs and Bilstein dampers, wider tyres all round, wider rear tyres plus a new dynamic stability control system.

Many of the new exterior features of the Vantage S have come from the V12 Vantage. These include the new lower bumper with full width front splitter and large lower air intake which also feeds cooling air to the front brakes. The N24 / N400 style sills have been made even wider and are actually identical straight off the V12. On the coupe, the boot lid has a much larger flip-up to give better high speed stability by reducing rear lift. Below, on the rear bumper is a new hand made carbon fibre diffuser. Despite the many exterior similarities between the V8 ‘S’ and V12, the S has not inherited the four large air bonnet vents.

The ‘S’ has also received new 19 inch wheels, unique to the V8 Vantage S with a distinctive ‘V’ spoke design that give a clear view of the larger diameter front brakes and 6 pot callipers. Available as an option are a lightweight 10 spoke forged wheel, same design as used on the N420 but a half an inch wider at the rear.

So as to distinguish the S from the standard car, the interior has some unique features to represent the sporting nature of the car. Distinctive triple track sticking is used inside the doors (with folded leather), on the centre console and the seat centre panels. ‘Vantage S’ logos are embroidered on the seat backs (or headrests on the optional lightweight seats).

For the 2012MY, in line with the Virage, the car adopted the Garmin sat-nav and ‘beam blade’ wiper design, incorporating Bosch Aerotwin wiper blades.

From 2016MY, the Vantage received a new centre console, closely based on that already fitted to the Vanquish.

The V8 Vantage S is the longest serving model in the 2017 Aston Martin range, due to be replaced by a band new model, powered by an AMG built V8 engine towards the end of 2017.

Telling the regular Vantage Roadster from the ‘S’ version is not easy, as both are available with a choice of manual or Sportshift transmissions and the same choice of wheel options. The regular car does not have the exclusive stitching on the door cards on the ‘S’, just has a ‘Vantage’ badge on the rear, has slightly less pronounced side sills and the front splitter is not made from carbon fibre unless specified when new. Also  the ‘S’ has the AM15 engine, the regular car has the AM14 engine.

From 2016MY, the Vantage received a new centre console, closely based on that already fitted to the Vanquish.

The engine is capable of running on just petrol, just gaseous hydrogen, or a blend of both and demonstrates the companies commitment to engineering innovation. In pure hydrogen mode, Aston Martin and Alset Global aim to show that a zero CO2 emissions lap of the Nordschleife is possible while emitting virtually only water from the exhaust.

The Hybrid Hydrogen system, approved by German motorsport’s governing body, the DMSB, comprises a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and proprietary engine management system. The critically important four storage tanks are made from ultra-high strength carbon fibre and hold a total of 3.5kg of hydrogen stored at a pressure of 350bar. Two tanks housed next to the driver and two in the boot of the car. The engine management enables flexibility in the control of the combustion process according to ensure optimum power, acceleration and CO2 reduction. The Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S may have true sports car performance but also has only the carbon footprint of a Cygnet.

Rumours during 2015 were that Aston Martin are working on an all electric Rapide for launch before the end of 2017. With the standard V12 removed, there would be plenty of space under the bonnet for all the batteries and such a system could, in theory deliver 1000 bhp and a range of 200 miles.

The photographs of the Rapide were taken when the car was displayed, un-cleaned since the race at the Gaydon factory during Centenary week in July 2013.

Available in a choice of three specially created colour and trim packages there are a suite of details that are also unique to the Vanquish S Ultimate. These include carbon fibre side strakes featuring rose gold ‘Ultimate‘ decals, carbon fibre treadplates and an ‘Ultimate’ sill plaque, a special stitched quilting design on the seats, plus ‘Ultimate’ headrest embroidery.

The first of these Designer Themes is a monochrome design that mates Ultimate Black paintwork (as seen on the first Vanquish S Ultimates with Copper Bronze graphics around the front air intake, along the side sills and on the rear diffuser. Detailing includes black exhaust tailpipes, brake calipers, window trims and 5-spoke wheels, plus extensive use of carbon fibre for the bonnet louvres, front grille and side strakes. The interior features Obsidian Black leather with Chestnut Tan accents and stitching and carbon fibre twill facia.

The second Designer Theme makes a striking combination of Xenon Grey paint and contrasting Cobalt Blue graphics which combine perfectly with the Ultimate’s carbon fibre and black trim. Yellow brake calipers provide further contrast behind gloss black 5-spoke alloys. The same theme continues to the interior, where Electron Yellow accents and Spectral Blue stitching stand out against the Phantom Grey leather upholstery.

Lastly, the third of the Designer Themes consists of cool White Gold paintwork and warm Bronze graphics which work brilliantly with gloss black and carbon fibre exterior detailing. The interior brings together Chestnut Tan leather with Obsidian Black accents with a spectacular cuprum carbon fibre facia. In particular, the white version of the Ultimate is similar to the 2007 Vanquish S Ultimate UAE.

Interestingly, customers could chose to combine any exterior scheme and interior package as a no-cost option. Or it was also possible to choose any other colour too. So it’s quite possible to see Vanquish S Ultimates not in the three designer themes.

Deliveries began in the first quarter of 2018.

Specification for the Ultimate Volante is as follows

• 2012MY DBS Volante with 2+2 seating configuration
• Coachwork in Carbon Black, Quantum Silver or Silver Fox
• Contrasting number plate surround, Gloss Carbon Black with Silver Fox, Satin Carbon Black with both Quantum Silver and Carbon Black
• Black hood
• Black front grille, carbon fibre mirror heads, black bonnet and side strake meshes, Zircotec black coated exhaust tailpipe finishers
• Smoked rear lamps with a darker tint than standard and black lamp surround and carbon fibre rear lamp in-fills
• Gloss Black diamond turned wheels
• Yellow brake callipers as standard; alternatively red or black
• DBS badge features a red ‘S’
• Obsidian Black leather interior, diamond quilted with a choice of bright red or silver contrast stitch
• Tailors Grey Rokona headlining
• Obsidian Black carpet bound in Obsidian Black leather
• Carbon fibre upper facia, centre console in Piano Black.
• Paddle tips trimmed in spicy red leather
• DBS seat embroidery which includes a red ‘S’ outlined in silver,
• Speaker grilles finished in anodised black
• Unique sill plaque with polished 3D effect

In total, it is believed that only 41 DBS Ultimate Volantes were built, all but two with Touchtronic 2 transmission.  These cars were sold worldwide and have become highly desirable to collectors of the marque.

At the 2013 Monterey car week, a ‘Q by Aston Martin’ Rapide S was greatly admired by guests to the exclusive Aston Martin Villa. With coachwork finished in Hardly Green, other features included Titanium silver meshes, exterior carbon fibre pack and 20 inch 20 spoke bead polished wheels. The interior featured Obsidian Black with Bentley Cognac stitching, Piano Black facias.

AML had kindly provided Sharpie pens and guests were encouraged to write messages on every surface of the car. I believe that the company were planning to preserve the car, messages and all, although I cannot find out if this is actually true.

The graffiti car concept returned in 2017 when a ‘spare’ Rapide S was made available for visitors to AML Employee weekend to leave messages. 

On first glance,the DBS based Zagato bears some resemblance to both the Volvo P1800 and perhaps the Lancia Hyena yet it could not be described as either retro or dated. Typically, the DBS Zagato features a double-bubble roof profile, but this has been set off by a beautifully curved, one-piece polished aluminium strip that begins at the car’s beltline,  across the top of the rear window and back down to the other side. The double-bubble roof curves continue over the rear screen and onto the bootlid.

The satin alloy grille will surely be a delight to fans of the 1960’s DBS. Just like the DBS, it  extends almost the full width of bespoke the front of the car and also houses the interestingly styled projector headlight unit. At the rear, the car is neatly finished by new light clusters, an aggressive rear diffuser and curious trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

The 20 inch wheels are straight from the donor DBS V12 as is the running gear, ceramic brakes and 510 bhp spec AM08 engine. The interior of the car appear to have been unmodified from the regular car.

The car was also shown the following year at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show on the stand of the Italian car magazine, Quattroruote. By the time the public had been admitted to the show, the car had been surrounded by rather ugly metal barriers and giving a rather poor view of the most beautiful car at the show. A press release issued during the show confirmed the existence of a third Centennial Zagato, a Virage based Shooting Brake, which was eventually shown in late summer 2014.

The car has been commissioned by a young and prestigious Japanese entrepreneur who has  preferred to remain anonymous. Apparently, their are no plans for the DBS Coupe Zagato into even limited production.

During the Lancaster House event, Aston Martin and Chinese investment group, ChinaEquity, announced an agreement to explore the development of a production version of the RapidE concept. If successful, the new luxury sports car was intended to be constructed at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, with plans to be brought to market in around two years (call it 2017). It went on to be displayed in support of a creative summit organised by the British government’s successful GREAT campaign to showcase the best of what the UK has to offer and encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK.

Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said at the time: “We see luxury electric vehicles as an intrinsic part of our future product portfolio and welcome ChinaEquity into the next phase of study for the project development. The exciting RapidE concept tangibly demonstrates the capability and ambition of Aston Martin towards developing low- and zero-emission sports cars.”

The original RapidE concept was developed by AML in collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering, an off shoot of Williams F1 at its facility in Grove, Oxfordshire. 

No technical details of the RapidE were given but a video released on the companies YouTube channel demonstrates the near silent running qualities of the concept. I did read of 800 bhp, all wheel drive and 200 mile range but I suspect that was mere speculation or wishful thinking or maybe both.

The virtually finished car, renamed the Rapide E was finally shown at various key motorsports events during the summer of 2019.