Power, Beauty and Soul touchdown in Auckland

Michael Giltrap, Managing Director Giltrap Group, addresses guests

Greg Brinck, General Manager, Independent Prestige, talks about the car

         New Zealand got its first glimpse of the new Aston Martin Vanquish last week. The car made an eagerly-awaited New Zealand debut in the suitable surroundings of the basement at Giltrap Prestige. An exclusively invited audience of around 150 Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts attended an evening full of glitz, glamour and the appropriate ‘Aston’ refreshments – Bollinger on demand. 

I honoured the current models that also made an appearance around the venue - I couldn’t help but be drawn to the fully-clothed Vanquish on centre stage. It was under covers, and I took a moment to imagine what one would be like in the flesh before the unveiling. Of course I’d seen many photos in the weeks leading up to this launch, but I tried to read as little as possible about the car so that no one else’s opinion would get in the way before I saw the car. The Bollinger continued to flow. A host of influential visitors such as Director and shareholder of Giltrap Group Michael Giltrap formally unveiled the new super grand tourer. I took the time to consider the predecessor Vanquish – one of the last Aston’s to be constructed under the Ford ownership model. I loved it and it continues to be up there with the most beautiful Aston Martin’s ever built. After the promotional video, which was accompanied by a V12 overture, the covers were drawn to reveal a masterpiece. Right before our eyes was a stunning design that represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. The modern Styling cues were quick to stand out such as the new elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades derived from the One-77 supercar. Essentially, this car is a One-77 that everyone can own. 

It was a welcoming sight to see the bonnet lifted to reveal the next generation of the renowned Aston architecture in the form of a new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine that is considerably more potent than before. Yes, the body is made of 100% carbon fibre, capable of achieving 183mph and will take you to 0- 100 in under 5 seconds. However, the fact that there was even a V12 married to this car issued a sigh of relief. We are seeing so many car manufacturers fold under the pressure of environmentalists and left-wing politicians to make smaller, more efficient engines. For example, BMW’s fantastic V10 has been replaced by a more reserved twin-turbo V8 and if you think we will ever see another Lamborghini V12 - think again. Journalists from around the world were adamant the V12 Vantage was the last V12 powered Aston we’d see - Aston Martin has stood for none of that and has claimed victory once more with their fiery C02-producing nuclear power plant. This particular engine is developed by Cosworth and assembled in house at Aston Martin. 

Greg Brinck is Independent Prestige’s General Manager of Aston Martin in New Zealand. He said: “I’m sure those lucky enough to see the new car close-up over the coming days will be thrilled by it, and I’m very happy that we’ve been able to give our New Zealand customers this opportunity.” There is no doubting that the brand has flourished under the Giltrap brand over the last years. I was quick to note down the fact that they sold 42 Aston’s in the month of November before the Global Financial Crisis. As with all modern Aston Martin sports cars, the Vanquish has been designed and will be hand-built at the company’s global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire, United Kingdom. New Zealand will expect to see its first vehicle available to the press at the beginning of November – one that I will be queuing up for. It will be available as a 2+2 or 2+0 with the first privileged owners taking delivery of their cars before the end of the year. 

“As Aston Martin is in its 100th year and prepares for the 100th birthday of the brand in January next year, the debut of this new super grand tourer means we can look forward to the next century with confidence and real excitement,” acknowledges Greg.  The Vanquish claims its place firmly in supercar territory. Vanquish unquestionably sees the brand continue its enviable tradition of producing some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world.  I can’t wait to put it to the test.

Words by Andrew Beacham

The new Porsche 911 Carrera: tradition meets modernity

Last week I attended the official New Zealand launch of the latest Porsche 911 Carerra, the 991. Giltrap Prestige put on a wonderful evening of entertainment, with music, drinks and nibbles and most of all a glamorous showcase for the car that is known to every small child. Before the covers were drawn I took the time to ponder the traditional brilliance of the styling that has been unique to Porsche over the decades. Yes, I knew that it was going to look exactly like the old one and the Clarkson’s of the world would be very quick to point this out. But, what kept me from agreeing with this criticism is that the 911 wouldn’t be a 911 with its unique, GT styling. If we think about Porsche releasing the Panamera, then we immediately think about how uncomfortable it made us feel when we looked at it because it didn’t evoke any Porsche features at all, apart from the badges. Only now are people a little more comfortable with it.

The covers were drawn on the cars in the showroom upon the completion of one of the Giltrap brothers doing a burnout in the outside carpark. I was amazed as to how the car evoked more Porsche tradition than its predecessor. It looked wider at the front and they tell me that the wheelbase has been extended by 100 millimetres. The newly designed LED taillights are razor thin and complete the rear end in an accentuated manner. Overall, in terms of styling at each angle the new modern design elements combined with the Porsche trademark characteristics create a fresh and, new yet familiar, impression.

In further detail, Porsche tell me that 90 per cent of the components have been redesigned or redeveloped on this car. With its new lightweight body, further drivetrain developments and new suspension systems give the Porsche further enhanced driving dynamics. They also tell me due to the aluminium rear lid, front lid and side doors along with the unique Porsche Stop-Start system, that fuel consumption has been reduced by 16 per cent. The two engine options are a 3.4 – liter and 3.8 liter boxer that distinguishes the ‘S’ model, that produce 350 and 400 horsepower’s respectively. Along with the 7-speed manual or Porsche PDK automatic transmission, the car will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds. The burning question for everybody is how fast does it lap the Nurburgring? 7 minutes and four seconds, 14 seconds faster than the previous model.

The only thing that stands out is the price. With supply to New Zealand coming through Australia and not direct from the factory the cost of the strong Australian dollar is passed on to the consumer willing to purchase this car. Prices for the Carrera base model start at NZD$226,000. This excludes any extras which could amount the cost in excess of $230k. I will be keeping an eye on the roads over the next 6 months to see how sales have taken here and will also try and get the inside word on the sales figures.  I am, however, impressed with what the Professors at Porsche have done here. They have respectively stuck with the unique design features of Dr. Wolfgang and the outcome has given them a kick start to making a solid impression on the 2012 car market.

Words by Andrew G. Beacham

Jaguar XF Sportbrake unveiled!

The new Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the first station wagon from Jaguar since the X-Type Estate,  has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show and promises to be the most versatile Jaguar ever created.

Sharing its underpinnings with the XF saloon, the Sportbrake's overall length grows by just 5mm, its weight by less 70kg and its chassis structure matches the strength of the conventional XF. These characteristics mean the Sportbrake can closely match the acclaimed handling of the XF saloon yet offers a large and highly practical load space.

Every panel on the XF Sportbrake, from the B-Pillar rearwards, is new. The strong silver signature line running the length of the car is extended while the C-Pillar is finished in gloss black, a trait shared with the XJ saloon. Slim rear light units extend into a strong chrome crossmember that dominates the rear of the car. The result is a car that blends style and function with the rear seat occupants benefitting from 48mm of extra rear headroom.

The large, practical tailgate can be specified with power struts, opening to reveal a wide and highly versatile load space. Measuring 550-litres with the rear seats up, the boot is framed by a set of useful cubby compartments.  With the seats folded, the total volume grows to 1,675-litres.

Practical touches are prevalent – and standard equipment – on the XF Sportbrake. Remote fold levers are mounted within the boot area to lower the rear seats – negating the need to stretch into the boot. Powerful LEDs throw a pool of light onto the ground when the boot is open while the tailgate itself features a soft close function, avoiding any requirement for it to be slammed. Set into the boot floor is a panel that splits into three sections to allow smaller loads to be neatly wedged and avoiding a precious or fragile cargo being thrown about. A tray mounted under the boot floor helps protect valuable items.

Beneath the car there are extensive changes to the rear suspension. Self-levelling air suspension aids driving dynamics and means the Sportbrake can serve as an accomplished tow vehicle.

Powering the XF Sportbrake will be a range of efficient yet powerful diesel engines in 2.2-litre four cylinder and 3.0-litre six-cylinder form, each directing drive through the rear wheels via an advanced eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Prices and specifications will be announced nearer the time of the launch of the Sportbrake, set to take place in the third quarter of 2012. 

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO'S TO COME!