Looks to be a thoroughly mainstream crossover SUV?
Aston Martin’s first SUV – DBX – has the initial development prototype being put through its paces along a Welsh Rally stage in the hands of the company’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker. This first test is the start of an extensive testing program – begun in Wales, as a nod to Aston Martins’ new St Athan production facility in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Although simulation is an essential part of DBX’s early development phase, this first prototype drive in Wales starts ‘real world’ testing, in which the SUV will be subjected to a punishing regime that will ultimately see development prototypes of the all-new machine tackle some of the world’s harshest environments, from the Arctic and deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes and the high-speed demands of the German autobahn and Nürburgring Nordschleife. (Read: Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business!)
Aston Martin claims the DBX requires a dedicated test program; one that has new processes, procedures and standards that reflect its all-purpose role. Like Porsche long before it, it’s promised the DBX will perform with the “verve and poise of a true Aston Martin.” Here, its dynamic envelope must extend into areas previously off-limits to the marque’s sporting roots. This includes the obvious – multi-terrain and towing capabilities.
“As an engineer, it’s genuinely exciting to get a feel for the car you’re working to create,” said Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker. “DBX is a very different kind of Aston Martin, but we will be testing it in all conditions and across all terrains to ensure it delivers a driving experience worthy of the wings badge’
DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 and will be built at Aston Martin Lagonda’s St Athan facility; a manufacturing plant that will ultimately become the ‘Home of Electrification’ when the marque’s fully-EV models enter production.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Aston Martin DBX SUV Prototype Now in Testing
Looks to be a thoroughly mainstream crossover SUV?
Aston Martin’s first SUV – DBX – has the initial development prototype being put through its paces along a Welsh Rally stage in the hands of the company’s Chief Engineer, Matt Becker. This first test is the start of an extensive testing program – begun in Wales, as a nod to Aston Martins’ new St Athan production facility in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Although simulation is an essential part of DBX’s early development phase, this first prototype drive in Wales starts ‘real world’ testing, in which the SUV will be subjected to a punishing regime that will ultimately see development prototypes of the all-new machine tackle some of the world’s harshest environments, from the Arctic and deserts of the Middle East to high Alpine passes and the high-speed demands of the German autobahn and Nürburgring Nordschleife. (Read: Glub? Aston Martin Going into Submarine Business!)
Aston Martin claims the DBX requires a dedicated test program; one that has new processes, procedures and standards that reflect its all-purpose role. Like Porsche long before it, it’s promised the DBX will perform with the “verve and poise of a true Aston Martin.” Here, its dynamic envelope must extend into areas previously off-limits to the marque’s sporting roots. This includes the obvious – multi-terrain and towing capabilities.
“As an engineer, it’s genuinely exciting to get a feel for the car you’re working to create,” said Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker. “DBX is a very different kind of Aston Martin, but we will be testing it in all conditions and across all terrains to ensure it delivers a driving experience worthy of the wings badge’
DBX is scheduled to be unveiled in the last quarter of 2019 and will be built at Aston Martin Lagonda’s St Athan facility; a manufacturing plant that will ultimately become the ‘Home of Electrification’ when the marque’s fully-EV models enter production.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.