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Electric Aston Martin Rapide could be on the way

Aston Martin is looking into building an electric version of the Rapide to launch in the next two or three years. Andy Palmer, the company's new chief executive, said so to the Wall Street Journal at the New York Auto Show this week. A spokesman confirmed the plans to Autoblog. The project would bring in an as-yet undisclosed partner that could come from Silicon Valley, and while we don't know at this point just which company that would be, Palmer said it's not Tesla. Having formerly held senior positions at the Renault Nissan Alliance, Palmer has a wealth of experience with EVs that he brings with him to the British automaker that was recently infused with cash. This wouldn't be the first time that Aston would be experimenting with the prospect of electric propulsion. It showcased the DBX electric crossover coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, and even fielded a hybrid hydrogen-powered version of the Rapide in a 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring a couple of years ago. The Rapide is Aston's four-door model, based closely on the DB9. It was launched in 2010 after a concept version from 2006. After initially being produced under contract by Magna Steyr in Austria, Aston moved assembly back home in 2012. A revised Rapide S ensued the following year, upping output from its 6.0-liter V12 engine from 470 horsepower to 550 and swapping the six-speed automatic for an eight-speed. According to the WSJ, Palmer also confirmed a new crossover and large luxury sedan in the pipeline, the latter to compete with Rolls-Royce and both of which we expect will wear the Lagonda badge revived by the new Taraf launched in Dubai.

Tom Brady, Aston Martin team up for special-edition Vanquish S

If we were to ask you what person comes to mind when we say the words "Aston Martin," who would it be? James Bond? No, are you crazy? New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is the person synonymous with Aston! Ok, no, not really, but the man has been involved with the company for a little while, having partnered for some sort of content series and a custom Vanquish S. Now that custom car, called the Tom Brady Signature Edition and built by Aston Martin's specialty vehicle division Q, has been revealed, and it's a seriously exclusive car with just 12 units being produced. For those who don't follow football, the production run of 12 cars isn't random. Brady's number on the field is 12, thus the number of cars produced. It also makes an appearance in a "TB12" logo found in badges on the exterior, and embossed on the seats. And of course, Brady's signature is found on the car, too, in the form of door sill plates. The badges aren't the only special touches added by Aston Martin's Q branch. The car features an array of carbon fiber body parts such as the grille, front splitter and rear diffuser. The whole car is painted a dark blue called Ultramarine Black, and it's complemented by a black leather interior. The interior also has a bit of blue lighting. It should be noted though that most of these cosmetic changes are also available on the regular Vanquish S models. These cosmetic additions and the exclusivity will cost you quite a bit of cash. According to ESPN, the car runs $359,950. Considering that a standard Vanquish S Volante starts at $311,650 before destination, and it can be customized however you'd like, even to look like a Tom Brady edition car, we would go that route. You could save even more money going with a coupe, which starts at $293,650 before destination. We also wonder if Brady will buy one of his special-edition cars, since ESPN reports he doesn't get one as part of his Aston Martin partnership. Related Video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin Vanquish S Tom Brady Signature Edition by Q News Source: Aston Martin, ESPN.comImage Credit: Aston Martin Celebrities Aston Martin Convertible Luxury Performance aston martin vanquish q by aston martin tom brady

Giving this '67 Aston DB6 the James Bond treatment only required drilling one hole

Paul is a Brit living in Southern California and still connected to his native land by, among other things, being a collector of all things James Bond. That led to him buying a 1967 Aston Martin DB6, having lusted after a DB-series car since he was nine, and fitting it with every "accoutrement" from James Bond's 1964 DB5 in Goldfinger and Thunderball. Getting features like the slicer wheel caps, console-activated oil slicks, blast shield and radar screen fitted required Paul to find his own Q-Branch director, this one named Brian Uiga, a gent who had done the same with his BMW 7 Series. As for what it took, Paul said, "We got together and planned the project and set a budget, and... the plan didn't work and the budget was toast." Still, they got it done - including the ejector seat - and it only required drilling one hole. You can see the result in the video below.