Aston Martin launch Red Arrows special | New Release - Car News Apr 2017

12:53 Monday 10 Apr 2017

A new limited edition Aston Martin Vanquish S has been created in tribute to the world famous RAF Red Arrows aerobatic display team.

The latest Q by Aston Martin creation is called the Red Arrows edition, and comes finished in the distinctive Eclat Red colour made famous by the team’s BAE Systems Hawk jets. Each model will feature special design features, hand-crafted interiors, and aviation-inspired graphic elements, with the tenth and final example to be donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

For over 50 years the Red Arrows display team has wowed the crowds both in the UK and abroad, a feat Aston Martin will be hoping to emulate with their new special edition model. The Vanquish S Red Arrows edition’s Eclat Red paintwork is complimented by subtle white and blue carbon livery detailing and white ‘smoke trail’ feature on the side strake. The exposed carbon fibre roof panel has an inlaid pattern designed to invoke the feeling of a fast jet canopy, and the exterior package is topped off by Union Jack enamel wing badges and titanium exhaust. On the inside are interior inserts in the Pinewood green hue of the RAF’s flight suits, and Martin Baker Ejection Seat fabric with green webbing seatbelts. The Red Arrows’ signature nine-man diamond formation is embroidered onto the backs of the seat, while the team logo is embroidered onto the transmission tunnel. Each example will feature a numbered plaque signed by the corresponding member of the Red Arrows squadron. An Aston Martin One-77-derived steering wheel is has a bespoke centre rotary toggle switch inspired by aviation instrumentation and switchgear, including black and yellow hatched design pattering on seat fold and door pulls.

Each model will also come with a pair of racing helmets finished in Red Arrows livery, while other accessories include racing suits, bespoke embroidered bomber jackets, a Vanquish S bespoke luggage set, and a highly-detailed die-cast 1:18 model of both the car and the Hawk aircraft.

The new model was revealed at the handover ceremony for the site of Aston Martin’s new factory in South Wales, on the site of the former RAF St Athan base. The run of nine customer cars are exclusively available via Aston Martin’s Cambridge outlet.