It’s no surprise that Aston Martin has some exciting new models in the pipeline, and unless you’ve been out of touch with the brand in the last year, you would have witnessed the release of some pretty incredible cars; namely the new Vantage, DBX, and DBS Superleggera. The latter is what I’ll be driving today. My destination is the Aston Martin showroom in Monte Carlo, where I’ve been told there is something very exclusive awaiting my arrival.

My drive begins on the Corniche de l'Estérel (The Golden Corniche), perhaps my favorite stretch of road along the Riviera. Inaugurated in 1903 thanks to the Touring Club de France, the 30km road stretches from Saint-Raphaël to Cannes and offers a taste of paradise for passionate drivers. Sandwiched between the azure blue of the Mediterranean and the dusty red rocks of Estérel, the road doesn’t disappoint those who enjoy the scenic route. With sweeping bends rather than aggressive switchbacks similar to those found in the Alps, it’s the perfect road for toying with 715bhp.

ASTON MARTIN
DBS SUPERLEGGERA

With a 5.2L twin-turbo V12, the DBS is anything but a garage queen. Crowned as the most powerful road car from the marque, this beast is one of the best grand tourers available in my opinion. As I cruise down the Corniche, the car is a pleasure to drive, breaking well and accelerating hard out of the twisting corners. The grip is superb, which increases my confidence to play with power.

5.2L TWIN-TURBO
V12

Before long I arrive in the Principality of Monaco, and of course that means going through tunnels. My favourite! With the windows lowered, I push the rev counter to the limit, before flicking the paddles to upshift. The noise is menacing – enough to make me smile. Who doesn’t like the sound of a V12?

ASTON MARTIN
VANTAGE ROADSTER

The Avenue de Monte-Carlo leads me through the newly renovated Casino Square, which definitely attracts polarising opinions! Nevertheless, I head on down past the Fairmont and soon arrive at my destination. I will admit it’s hard parting ways with the DBS once again, however the upset is short-lived as I’m greeted by the all-new Vantage Roadster. You will remember from my Instagram that I was able to play with the ‘Hunter’ in the mountains last year. However, this new creation transforms the car into a whole new beast, reminiscent of the exclusive Speedster which Aston Martin is currently producing. Careful structural development has resulted in a convertible which doesn’t compromise performance for panoramic views. A 4.0L twin-turbo V8 enables the car to achieve 0-60mph in a blistering 3.7sec. The Roadster is also quick in regard to its retractable roof. The fabric hood can be lowered in just 6.7sec and raised in an equally rapid 6.8sec when traveling at speeds of up to 31mph, making it the fastest roof operating cycle of any automatic convertible car.

Walking around the Vantage Roadster, I can’t help but think about driving it on the Corniche de l’Estérel. With the roof down and music playing this could well be the perfect car for the Riviera.

THE NEW BORN
AMB 001

Perhaps the most incredible machine in the showroom is the brand new AMB 001 – Aston Martin’s first motorbike. It looks stunning, and from a first glance, I can already spot design cues from the Vantage. This new creation is the brainchild of a collaboration with Brough Superior. Founded in the early 1900’s, Brough Superior began to manufacture motorbikes in Nottingham, England, over a short period of just 21 years. Creating ultra-luxurious machines, known for their styling and heritage, the manufacturer has now joined forces with Aston Martin to create the AMB 001, a track-only motorbike which is limited to just 100 units. The body is crafted fully from carbon fiber, lending to the motorbike’s dry weight of just 180kg which is nothing short of impressive. 

100 UNITS
LIMITED EDITION

Seeing one in person is a true privilege, and I’d love to take it to the track sometime and unleash its 997cc turbo-charged engine (the first of its kind for Brough Superior).

I hope I’ve brought you enough from Aston Martin for one day! I’d like to thank Aston Martin Monte-Carlo for their great hospitality, and no doubt I’ll be bringing you more exciting stories from the brand in the near future.

Until then; stay safe, stay classy, and stay tuned!

Partners

More information about the Vantage: www.astonmartin.com

Read more about the brand new AMB 001: www.astonmartin.com

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