Aston Martin chief Andy Palmer details product offensive
Mid-engined sports car, RapidE EV, SUV, Rolls-Royce competitors due by decade's end
Aston Martin has revealed its plans for a new model onslaught, with the company to have 7 new models by 2020.
Speaking to media at the opening of the company's new Zagame dealership in Richmond, Melbourne, Aston Martin's CEO, Andy Palmer detailed the product strategy that will see at least one new model every year from now until the end of the decade.
With the DB11 already launched this year, Palmer confirmed 2018 will see the arrival of the replacement for the Vantage, while the current Vanquish will be taken over by a new-generation model in 2019.
Above: Aston Martin DBX concept
From 2019 through 2020 Aston Martin plans to expand its portfolio beyond its three core luxury sports models, introducing the production version of the DBX SUV (though the company strictly refers to it as a crossover), while two new uber-luxe Lagonda models will make their debut at the turn of the decade to rival Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
The Valkyrie hypercar (formerly known as the AM-RB 001), meanwhile, will commence its first deliveries in 2018.
Palmer also revealed that a mid-engined sportscar is in the pipeline, set to be released closer to the 2020 mark, which will also be the first vehicle of its type from the British marque - likely to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, but still staying true to the brand's core values of combining high-end luxury and performance.
Above: Aston Martin Valkyrie (AM-RB 001)
It's still unknown at this stage what form the new mid-engined model will take, though Palmer says like all of the company's models it will aim to be the "most beautiful in its segment".
The future of the Rapide sedan, however, isn't as prosperous, though Aston Martin's boss confirmed the all-electric RapidE will replace the V12-powered version in the line-up in 2019. From 2020, the Rapide's flagship role in the line-up will be filled by either the DBX crossover or one of the upcoming Lagonda models.
Palmer added that each year we can expect two special-edition models (a-la Vantage GT12 and Vulcan) and two bespoke vehicles (like the GT12 Roadster presented at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed).
Above: Aston Martin RapidE EV
Despite the expansion plans, the company doesn't intend to build more than 7000 vehicles a year. As a point of reference, last year Aston Martin built around 3700 cars.
This latest development comes a week after Palmer was quoted by Car and Driver saying he'd like a mid-engined sports model to take on Ferrari and some high-end luxury offerings to take on Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more updates
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