Aston Martin boss reveals new F430 and Gallardo rival in the works

Back in March, Aston Martin was separated from Ford’s Premier Auto Group and ended up in the hands of Prodrive boss David Richards, American banker John Sinders and Kuwait’s Investment Dar Co. The man credited with turning around the carmaker’s fortunes, its lively CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, has stayed onboard to run the show but is now joined at the helm by the new owners.

Sinders explains that Bez has laid the groundwork by developing the right product and combining it with great engineering. The next step is to develop better engines and to increase the dealer network, while building brand awareness. Future models will move upmarket rather than down, and will most likely be based on the same VH platform that underlies the current lineup. Developers will continue to refresh the range but will also be adding a new halo car to go head-to-head with the Ferrari F430 and Lamborghini Gallardo. As for forced induction powerplants or an SUV model, Sinders out-right rejected the notions.
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LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/8/2007 12:04:43 PM

-12 Boost

Aston should be doing profit-high SUVs and not mid-engined cars.

SilverAero - 5/8/2007 12:13:18 PM

+5 Boost

Ummm, no

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/8/2007 12:25:04 PM

-4 Boost

Think about it :
more profit margins,
lesser volumes,
same platform,
hence optimum profits.

Agent63 - 5/9/2007 4:28:19 AM

+2 Boost

Umm... SUV? Aston Martin? No... how on earth are you going to convince a person to buy an Aston Martin SUV? what would be the selling point? luxury? why not just get an X5, ML/GL, so on and so forth?

Astons are British supercars. Why would they need an SUV. HEll I wonder why Porsche even bothered with the Cayenne. They in my mind are a supercar maker as well and it just doesn't fit in with their history.

indoctrin8ed - 5/8/2007 8:23:27 PM

-1 Boost

SoCal, you suck. Learn how to type. Locate your caps lock key and control-alt-delete your sorry self.

Better yet, turn up your brightness by pressing Alt-F4.

EnnNorak - 5/8/2007 12:52:14 PM

0 Boost

I note with interest that Bez is alleged to have said that the next step is to develop better engines. Did Ford allow Aston Martin engines to go to pot?
Bez may be thinking of the wonderful Aston Martin legacy of decades ago in the days of exotic alloys like chrome-moly and when Aston Martins had durable engine bearings made of a lead-bronze alloy. I do believe that Aston Martin can compete in the stratosphere but I would rather see more people enjoy these cars in the Maserati space without too many cost cuts on the part of Aston. Going
upmarket probably makes a better business case.

mini22 - 5/8/2007 1:12:50 PM

+3 Boost

Yes and that is why they don't need to do an SUV.Porsche sells in a lower price range with higher volume needed to get their profits. In addition cars like the Boxster have a lot of competion in the market place.Selling in a price range from $110,000 on up is a lot less crowded. Saying that if Lamborgini and Ferrari bring out SUV's you can bet that Aston will change their mind.

stevenv1999 - 5/8/2007 1:41:13 PM

-2 Boost

Aston Martin is now a strong and viable car company and if the new owners choose wisely as what to develop first, they will grow in to a highly respected high-end manufacturer like, say, a Porsche.

omarrana - 5/8/2007 2:44:34 PM

+3 Boost

this news is from like Mid-April

jt716 - 5/8/2007 3:07:45 PM

+3 Boost

Who said Aston Martin isn't respected?

adambravo - 5/8/2007 3:32:16 PM

-2 Boost

Umm... A "halo car" to challenge the entry level Ferrari and Lamborghini models? First off, the AM V8 is more than capable of taking on the Ferrari and Gallardo. Secondly, a halo car--eg, one at the top of the range--would more likely target the 599GTB and Murcielago. Methinks Automobile (the source of the article) is a bit clueless.

07mcs - 5/8/2007 5:14:43 PM

+1 Boost

Who told you that? The AMV8 performance is comparable to the Porsche 911 and 911S. The Gallardo and the F430 are on a higher level.

dannyboy2 - 5/8/2007 9:42:14 PM

+1 Boost

I find it hard to beleive that the AMV8 would be comparable with a Gallardo or F430.. definately more of a 911 rival.

mp2dtw - 5/8/2007 11:46:28 PM

+1 Boost

Aston Martin is the ultimate and this is no exception. The cars that make us drool and feel poor despite the fact that we're richer than over 95% of the world.

Matthew1 - 5/9/2007 4:22:43 AM

+2 Boost

Some people here are out of their depth.

You can talk about Toyota's 'till the cows come home, but don't go wasting your breath trying to work out Aston Martin's business plan.

Small steps first people!

indoctrin8ed - 5/9/2007 8:02:36 PM

0 Boost

Fifth Gear preferred the Ferrari. I'll take Tiff Needel's opinion over Jeremy Clarksnuts any day.