AN APPLAUDABLE HERITAGE
Following the recent charitable auction of a limited edition Aston Martin Gulf Blue Vantage Heritage Edition roadster at The Peninsula Hong Kong, the hotel is collaborating with the iconic British automobile manufacturer Aston Martin on a number of turbo-charged initiatives to raise awareness of environmental conservation and to offer car fanatics an array of Aston Martin-themed experiences.
Following the recent charitable auction of a limited edition Aston Martin Gulf Blue Vantage Heritage Edition roadster at The Peninsula Hong Kong, to celebrate The Peninsula Hotels’ longstanding passion for classic motorcars, the hotel is collaborating with the iconic British automobile manufacturer Aston Martin on a number of turbo-charged initiatives to raise awareness of environmental conservation and to offer car fanatics staying at the hotel an array of Aston Martin-themed ‘New Encounters’ Experiences.
Earlier this year, guests and visitors of The Peninsula Hong Kong had the opportunity to view a limited edition Aston Martin Gulf Blue Vantage Heritage Edition roadster, which was on display in the hotel's famed Lobby for a period of one month prior to being auctioned by the international auction house Bonhams. Proceeds from the auction are being utilised to fund projects for the protection of endangered species and the restoration of the ecosystem in Hong Kong by supporting a range of programmes run by Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG), under the guidance of Auction4Wildlife.
This special Aston Martin Vantage Heritage Racing Edition was kindly donated by Markus F. Jebsen, Chairman of MF Jebsen International Limited, the exclusive designated dealer of Aston Martin sports cars in Hong Kong and Macau.
Aston Martin celebrated two major anniversaries in 2019 – 60 years since its legendary 1-2 win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 70 years since the marque first raced at the Goodwood Motor Circuit. To mark the occasions, Aston Martin's Q division designed six unique Vantage cars with a total production of 60, each honouring an important race car from the brand's motorsports history. The Gulf Blue Vantage took inspiration from the DBR9, the winner of Le Mans in both 2007 and 2008.
The exclusive Gulf Blue Edition Vantage is the only one in Hong Kong and part of the limited production of only 12 in the world.
Following on from this philanthropic initiative, the Aston Martin experience continues at The Peninsula Hong Kong with three exceptional ‘New Encounters' activities.
Gear Up for An Exclusive DBX Test Drive
On 9 July and 13 August, car aficionado guests can be some of the first to experience the new Aston Martin DBX SUV with the hotel's latest ‘Adrenaline Encounter' at Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden which includes a 30-minute test drive of the vehicle, followed by a short tour of the Farm itself.
The British marque's first SUV, DBX is a new kind of Aston Martin, one founded on the principles of beauty, luxury and driving dynamics. Ready to go anywhere, it is powered by the spirit of adventure.
DBX celebrates the brand's design language in a new form. With a unique body architecture just for DBX, the design and proportions reflect the unmistakeable style of an Aston Martin.
DBX is a 5 seater SUV that provides a sumptuous experience for every occupant. It embraces a world of luxury, with a panoramic sunroof providing a sense of airiness and space for all. A commanding driving position instils a sense of confidence and provides the driver with a clearer view of the road ahead.
The Aston Martin DBX was first revealed in November last year and sees the British brand compete in a new segment of the global luxury market for the first time. Built on a new dedicated platform in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales, DBX remains distinctly an Aston Martin through both its engineering and design - from the signature grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate flip that draws inspiration from the brand's most focused sports car, Vantage.
The DBX was awarded the coveted ‘Best Designed Car of the Year' at The Sunday Times Motor Awards. “A brand traditionally associated with sports cars had a tough job on its hands creating its first SUV, but the fact that Sunday Times readers voted the DBX their favourite design of the year — against some truly stunning competition — is a clear indication that Aston Martin got it right first time,” commented Will Dron, Editor of Driving.co.uk at The Sunday Times.
“We are delighted that Aston Martin DBX has been awarded by readers of The Sunday Times for its design. We designed DBX as we would a sports car, but its unique platform gave us the freedom to create an SUV with stunning performance and design, and to be awarded Best Designed Car of the Year makes us very proud of what we have achieved,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda EVP and Chief Creative Officer.
The culmination of an extensive development programme that began with virtual development stretching back to 2015 and physical testing in Wales in 2018, 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.
With its all-wheel drive system, DBX is a car that will allow the company to increase its presence in markets where perhaps the weather or terrain is less than conducive to rear-wheel drive sports cars. The clear emphasis on a spacious and luxurious cabin – whether seated in the front or back – allows Aston Martin to better reach customers who prefer to be driven rather than drive.
The DBX is a true Aston Martin; it captures the very spirit of the brand as a beautiful hand-built, yet technologically advanced car. With around 80% of production expected to be exported and sold overseas, it is an important model for the brand and a clear illustration of the strength of British manufacturing capabilities.
“We are incredibly proud of our first SUV, which is as much of an Aston Martin as any one of our sports cars,” adds Reichman. “From my design team to the engineers, the vehicle dynamics team and all the experts who hand-crafted this beautiful car, the DBX has become the car that will drive Aston Martin into a bold new era.”
An Insider’s Look at Aston Martin
Car fanatics can also revel in The Peninsula's unique tour of Aston Martin's Hong Kong showroom in Kwun Tong, where they will discover a wealth of information about the heritage, craftsmanship and technical expertise behind this exquisite and coveted automobile brand.
Ever since the first Aston Martin was crafted more than 100 years ago, the marque has exhibited a talent for creating beautiful automobiles. Founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford in 1913 in a small London workshop, Aston Martin has since grown to become an internationally admired luxury brand.
A passion for beauty has always been the company's guiding principle, and Martin and Bamford's coming together was its earliest expression of that. Both men had a passion and a talent for machines,
propulsion, engines and racing. They had a shared love for automobiles, as it provided them with their most exhilarating and memorable experiences.
To this day, Aston Martin has continued to craft innovative cars with the beauty of competitive racing at its heart. From its humble origins to the present, on both road and track, the irresistible draw of an Aston Martin endures. People all over the world seek its beautifully designed vehicles; cars that have always been synonymous with high performance, bespoke craftsmanship, technological innovation and timeless style.
An Exceptional Encounter
Guests who book a suite for The Peninsula Hong Kong's ‘Journey the World – New Encounters' package will have the exclusive opportunity to view the Aston Martin 1964 DB5 featured in the movie ‘Goldfinger', which is on display in a special setting at the hotel's vintage bay.
Nothing would compare to the game-changing launch of the DB5 in 1963 – a car that became an instant international hit, garnering critical acclaim and propelling Aston Martin onto the global stage like never before.
Often billed as the “most famous car in the world”, James Bond's gadget laden Silver Birch DB5 in ‘Goldfinger' became many a schoolboy's dream. Regarded by many as the most beautiful Aston Martin ever produced, the DB5 shared many similar traits to the DB4. However, DB5's most substantial change occurred under the bonnet.
The engine capacity was enlarged to 4 litres by increasing the bore to 96mm. The car had three SU carburettors, as fitted to the outgoing DB4 Vantage, and also shared the latter's headlamps. Significant too was the introduction of a full synchromesh ZF 5 speed gearbox.
Still to this day, the Aston Martin DB5 is frequently praised as the most beautiful car in the world and one that transcended into popular culture like no other.
DBX Test Drive
Dates: 9 July and 13 August
Times: 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
Requirements: Participants must be age 25 or above with a minimum of two years driving experience. Passengers must be age 12 or above
An Insider’s Look at Aston Martin Dates: 25 June, 23 July and 27 August Times: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm