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Aston Martin On Ice reminds us how fun winter can be

Things are finally starting to thaw near the Autoblog headquarters in Detroit, with spring just around the corner. We're already celebrating some slightly warmer temperatures, and looking ahead to sunny days and top-down drives. But winter isn't all bad – especially for car enthusiasts. Yes, with the right formula of fresh powder and winter tires, the cold season can prove hilariously fun for folks who love to drive. In that spirit, Aston Martin hosted its second-annual (in the US, anyway) 'On Ice' program in Colorado, where owners were given the opportunity to slide around in the British automaker's wares, hanging the tails out and generally (we assume) having a blast. Rather than bore you with more details, we'll let you see all the fun that was had, in the gallery above. It almost makes us wish winter would stick around a little longer. Almost. For more information about the Aston Martin On Ice program, check out the (old) press blast below. Related Video: Aston Martin are to host their second annual ice driving program in Colorado in February, offering thrill seekers a unique driving experience in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Taking place among the dramatic Crested Butte mountain range, the 'On Ice' program gives Aston Martin enthusiasts the chance to hone their driving skills in a spectacular setting over three days. The iconic British car makers have custom built an ice track for the program, comprising a braking/cornering exercise loop, slalom, skid pad and full circuit. Under expert tuition, participants are guided through the facility, before embarking upon a series of braking, cornering and handling exercises and then putting their skills to the test on a mile-long frozen road course. Luxurious accommodations will be provided for all three days at the exclusive boutique hotel properties of the Eleven Group that are nestled in the mountains. Julian Jenkins, President of Aston Martin The Americas, said: "After this hugely successful first year we expect the On Ice program to become a mainstay of our customer experience offerings here in North America. "The ability to experience a range of our cars in a unique and controlled environment resonates with Aston Martin customers and enthusiasts who are united by a shared passion for driving." As well as the 'On Ice' driving program, guests will also have the chance to indulge in other activities including skiing and exploring the back country on a fleet of snow mobiles.

Weekly Recap: Aston Martin to add another sports car, new Lagonda sedan, EVs

Aston Martin will revamp and expand its lineup as part of a five-year plan laid out by the company's new executives. If it succeeds, the strategy will position Aston for growth as an independent automaker with a more stable future in its second century. Aston will replace all of the cars in its current lineup and add a fourth sports car to its stable. It currently has three: the DB9, Vanquish and Vantage. The unnamed sports car will be joined by a production version of the DBX concept – an all-wheel-drive electric car that treads near crossover territory – that was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. Aston's electric strategy also includes a potential electric-powered Rapide. Eventually, Aston plans to build a new four-door Lagonda. Though Aston will diversify its portfolio and the range could expand to seven vehicles, it will limit production to around 7,000 units annually, said Aston Martin marketing and communications director Simon Sproule, who described the company's strategy in an interview with Autoblog. CEO Andy Palmer, who joined Aston last year from Infiniti, has also spoken recently about remaking the company for the future. EVs are a major part of Aston's future, Sproule stressed, because they allow the automaker to "balance" its portfolio. Aston is studying the feasibility of an electric Rapide and is working with an undisclosed engineering firm. It's likely to use a plug-in setup and would cost $200,000 to $250,000 or more. It could use either a rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration. View 14 Photos "It's a study, but we're serious about it," Sproule said. He added for emphasis: "If not this, there will be an electric Aston Martin in the future." Aston has taken note of what Tesla has done with the brisk-driving Model S and decided that's the dynamic it wants for some of its own cars. Even though EVs don't emit the same sonorous note as a V12 – they're better than the alternative, Sproule said. "The sound of silence is much more preferable than the sound of a four-cylinder whining away under the hood of an Aston Martin," he said. Speaking of V12s, they're not going away. Aston will continue to make its own V12 engine, but will source its V8 from Mercedes-AMG (whose parent, Daimler, owns a small stake in Aston). While the V12 is sure to please the faithful, Aston admits EVs and the crossover-like DBX will rankle many. Sproule argues those are the moves that will keep Aston relevant.

Overnight action from the 24 Hours of Le Mans

We won't go into a recap here, but there are still leading positions being fought for in all classes - it's so close that leads are changing when a car goes into the pits. We'll let the recap wait until the end of the race, so for now enjoy some shots from last night's action at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.