News Issue 89

Aston Martin Announces Its First SUV

20 November 2019, Beijing, China: A bold new chapter and a landmark moment in Aston Martin’s illustrious 106-year history, Aston Martin has today unveiled its first SUV and a model that will propel the brand to new heights worldwide. That model is DBX.

The culmination of an extensive development programme that began with physical testing in Wales last year and virtual development stretching back to 2015, DBX signals a new era in Aston Martin’s pursuit to deliver exceptional performance, style and usability in a segment previously unexplored by the world-famous manufacturer. Bringing both the versatility and indulgence expected of a luxury SUV with sports car levels of dynamic performance, DBX sets a bold new standard in this sector.

Set to be built in Aston Martin’s purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan, Wales, the foundation of DBX is a new dedicated SUV platform, something rarely seen across the sector. More than ever before, this clean sheet of paper has allowed all departments within Aston Martin to innovate and push the boundaries of what British design and engineering can create, resulting in a truly remarkable product.

Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars, the body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff. The exceptional stiffness inherent in the design of the new platform has also enabled DBX to achieve exceptional dynamics both on and off-road.

Powered by a new version of the characterful 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in DB11 and Vantage, DBX features an impressive output of 550PS and 700NM of torque, carefully tuned to meet the specific needs of this model. With a sound character that is unquestionably Aston Martin, the active exhaust system ensures this is a luxury SUV that can sound refined one moment and exhilarating the next. The engine’s versatility isn’t restricted to its vocals either; the turbocharged V8 has cylinder deactivation to enhance fuel economy, yet it can also propel DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 181mph.

Will Morgan follow where Aston Martin has lead? Time will tell, but MOG “predicted” it in issue 060!

Plus Six Production Hits 220

Production of the Plus Six will reach 220 cars by the end of the year. That’s a stunning start to the life of “Best Ever Morgan”. Production at Pickersleigh Road has really ramped up over the past month or so. Indeed, on a recent visit to the Factory, it appeared that four wheel production was almost entirely Plus Sixes. There were some very interesting personal specced cars in build too. But you will have to take our word for it as Morgan have just made the following announcement:

“We are delighted to announce that we will be redeveloping the Visitor Centre over the winter of 2019-2020. This exciting project will revolutionise the visitor experience, with a stunning modern redesign of the building and brand new visitor facilities.

Therefore, please note that from Monday 9 December 2019 to Monday 15 March 2020, the Visitor Centre – which includes the Morgan museum, café, shop, factory tours and experience drives – will be closed to the public. Car hire will continue to operate as usual.

Any visits to the company will need to be made by prior appointment with your individual contact at the factory. There will be no Visitor Centre facilities open on site (café, shop, etc). The Morgan online shop will remain open at www.morgan-motor.com.

We look forward to welcoming Morgan owners and enthusiasts to the factory in Spring 2020.” We are looking forward to visiting!

Christmas Goodwill

Christian Barbaray was enjoying a visit to Malvern, after driving all the way from his home in France in his MOG. He enjoyed a visit to the Factory and an overnight stay at the Abbey Hotel. But that night was a very wet one indeed, with very heavy rain. The next morning his Plus 4 refused to start. Unperturbed he decided to go for a walk into Malvern town centre, where he discovered the MMC Routemaster bus and the company stall situated in a small market that was in place for the switch on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Taking the bull by the horns, Christian asked the Morgan Folk if anyone could help him start his car. A kind gentleman agreed to help him and accompanied him on the short walk back to the hotel car park. The gentleman realised that the problem was with the ignition and he soon sorted it out, and the car started. Christian thanked him and asked him for his name. It was only then that Steve Morris, CEO of Morgan Motor Company introduced himself!