2017 - ASTON MARTIN, RED BULL RACING, 1/100 DANIEL RICCIARDO EDITION, " VANTAGE S "
In 2007 Aston martin partnered with Red Bull Racing for the formula 1 racing season. The outcome was a collaboration between Astons Q branch and Red Bulls formula 1 team resulting in the creation of a limited run o 200 Ason Martin Vantage s Red Bull edition cars. 100 of the cars are Daniel Ricciardo editions and 100 are Max Verstappen editions. Being 1 of only 17 in Australia this Daniel Ricciardo Edition is adorned in carbon and is painted in the iconic Red Bull marina blue livery - effectively James Bond in a race suit.
The interior continues the Red Bull theme with Aston Martin’s artisans hard at work refining each surface to deliver an incredibly sensory experience. Carbon, rich leather and soft alcantara lines every part of the cabin with the Formula 1 teams logo stitched into the leather headrest as a reminder of the cars heritage and of course that very special driver.
Sitting under the signature long bonnet is an evolution of the original 4.3 litre engine, now in its ultimate state of tune displacing 4.7 litres complete with a dry sump set up.
Rated at over 430hp it’s the last of Aston Martins naturally aspirated V8 engines. Enough to propel the car to 100kph in 4.8 seconds and on to over 300kph.
Aston Martins motorsport experience carries over into the mid-front engined layout, with the engine recessed behind the front axles for better weight distribution.
Like a boxer with weighted gloves the svelte exterior quickly gives way to aggressively tuned exhaust specific to the Red Bull edition. It snarls and crackles on the overrun with each pull of the paddle shift gearbox. The stunning naturally aspirated soundtrack is endlessly entertaining, eventually settling into a deep, unmistakable burble at idle.
All the carbon isn’t for show, the Red Bull Formula 1 inspiration is clear with front and rear diffusers unique to the car, think of this collaboration as forerunner to the Valkyrie hypercar project.
These changes combined with hydraulic steering and rear-wheel drive provide something very special. In sport mode the steering weights up in your hands inspiring confidence when placing the car into a corner, Whilst the supercar sized brakes pull the car up from any speed. This is the last of the line for the naturally aspirated Aston Martin Vantage and we’re unlikely to see another like this again. It’s fitting then that this collaboration celebrates two of the biggest names in motorsport for one last look at what a true analog drivers car should be.
Written by Tom Bowsher.
Photos by Luminda Perera.