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Aston wants to build DBX on its new platform, not Mercedes'

Aston Martin is proceeding with plans to launch the DBX as its first production crossover. It just can't say at this point what it will be based on. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Aston's new CEO Andy Palmer indicated that basing the DBX on a Mercedes SUV platform would not be its first choice because they "clearly sit in a very different space to the one we want to go" with the DBX. Instead, the company's first choice would be to build the crossover atop the new platform it's developing for its sports cars. "It just depends how high off the ground it could go," said Palmer. "I don't exclude the possibility of using some [Mercedes] parts, but I would say very much the primary route is our platform." The prospect of building an Aston SUV on Mercedes architecture – namely that of the GL-Class – has been on the table for some time now. The Lagonda SUV concept it showcased at the Geneva show in 2009 was based on the GL, and the two automakers have been forging a tightening alliance in the years since. The British automaker's next-generation engine is to be built by Mercedes-AMG, and it is expected to source other components from the German automaker as well. For its part, Mercedes has been taking a sportier approach with its latest crossovers, as demonstrated by the GLE Coupe that debuted before the more conventional version and the Concept GLC Coupe that previewed the GLK's replacement in Shanghai last month. Aston Martin, on the other hand, is building a new sports car platform that will underpin its next generation of luxury GTs, replacing the long-serving VH architecture that has served for decades as the basis for its entire model line. Perhaps the most surprising of ANE's report, though, is that Aston seems to be proceeding with plans to build the DBX apparently without even knowing what platform it will use.

Disgraced Chinese supplier claims it has been wronged by Aston Martin

In what could be called a case of carma, the Chinese plastic supplier that forced Aston Martin to recall about 75 percent of its production since 2007 now says that it has lost about most of its customers and is facing financial ruin. Shenzhen Kexiang Mould Tool Co. produced the accelerator pedal arms for most Aston Martin models out of a counterfeit plastic and may have to close its factory due to the scandal. Shenzhen Kexiang claims no wrongdoing in the affair, saying the whole matter was caused by Aston Martin not fully understanding its supply chain. Its general manager Zhang Zhi Ang told Automotive News: "This whole situation is caused by Aston Martin." According to the automaker, its supplier, Fast Forward Tooling (HK) of Hong Kong, hired the molder as a sub-contractor to supply the part. Initially, Shenzhen Kexiang claimed to have never been contracted by the Hong Kong company, but later admitted that it wasn't sure if it made the parts because it worked for so many contractors, according to Automotive News. Aston Martin found that the accelerator arms were produced from a counterfeit form of the DuPont plastic that it had requested for its sports cars. Initially the recall covered 689 2012-2013 vehicles but further research indicated that it went back as far as November 2007 for some models. Aston Martin says it will replace the throttle assemblies on the affected vehicles and that there have been no reported accidents or injuries caused by the counterfeit plastic.

The Aston Martin Vantage Red Bull Racing Edition doesn't have an F1 engine but still looks sweet

The Aston Martin Vantage could rival the Jeep Wrangler when it comes to the number of variants and special editions it has spawned. The latest version of Aston's smaller sports car is the Red Bull Racing Edition, inspired by Aston Martin's partnership with the Formula 1 team of the same name. The appearance package is fitted by Aston Martin's Q division and is available on both the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage S models starting this spring, just after the 2017 F1 season gets underway. Aside from the cylinder count, a customer's only option is deciding which one of three colors (gloss or matte Mariana Blue or gloss Tungsten Silver) with either red or yellow lipstick, brake calipers, and side strake accents. In addition, the unpainted portions of the grille, splitter, diffuser, and side strakes are all bare carbon fiber. Inside, the black seats come with contrasting red stitching and the Red Bull Racing logo embroidered on the headrests. The door sill and inspection plaques can be signed by either Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen. Tough choice. While there are no mechanical upgrades like a hybrid turbocharged V6 or a movable rear wing to really tie the car in with its F1 counterpart, it is one of the better special editions available. The car will be powered by either a 430-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 or a 565-horsepower 5.9-liter V12. Aston hasn't announced pricing or US availability, but based on the popularity of Formula 1 in the States, don't expect to see too many of these on the road. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin V8 and V12 Vantage S Red Bull Racing View 21 Photos News Source: Aston Martin Design/Style Marketing/Advertising Aston Martin Coupe Racing Vehicles Performance Red Bull Racing aston martin v8 vantage aston martin v12 vantage aston martin vantage aston martin v12 vantage s