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Aston Martin Vanquish S gets special Red Arrows edition

The cars get a number of additional exterior and interior details; no mechanical changes have been made.
2 min read15 Apr '17
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
4K+ views

As the latest commission for the Q by Aston Martin project, 10 Vanquish S Red Arrows Edition cars will be produced. The special edition model celebrates the iconic Red Arrows RAF jets.

The cars are marked out from standard Vanquish S models with Eclat Red paint – the same colour used on the Red Arrows – as well as exterior and interior details, including a side stripe in blue or white in a nod to the smoke trails commonly associated with the jets, and a pattern on the roof which reflects the canopy of a fighter jet.

Inside, the upholstery features the same green used on the Arrows’ pilot flight suits, as well as Red Arrow formation graphics embroidered into the door cards and seat backs. Each car also gets a unique plaque on its engine, signed by the corresponding Red Arrows pilot. Meanwhile, the steering wheel features an RAF-inspired switchgear, and is derived from that of the One-77.

The rear seats have been replaced with a stowage area for two Red Arrows motif crash helmets. These are included as are race suits and bespoke bomber jackets, a luggage set, car cover, build book and a scale model of both their car and a Hawk Red Arrows plane.

No mechanical changes have been made, so the Vanquish S’ 600hp, 650Nm V12 engine remains the same, as does the car’s 3.5sec 0-100kph time and 323ph top speed.

Production is limited to 10 cars, although the final car is to be gifted to the RAF Benevolent Fund. The series has been commissioned to the Q by Aston Martin initiative by Aston Martin Cambridge – the same branch which commissioned the 80 V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 special edition cars last year, and the Vantage S Blades Edition.

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New Audi A4 35TDI vs Mercedes C250d vs BMW 320d comparison

The petrol A4 didn’t quite cut it in the engine department, but the diesel version holds a lot more promise. We put it to the test against its German rivals
4 min read14 Apr '17
Gavin D'SouzaGavin D'Souza

Great refinement and pillowy ride make the A4 a great chauffeur-driven luxury car.

A4 sets the new standard for quality and, as ever, gives off an impression of restraint and high tech.

Great comfort and support in A4, though some may find the backrest too upright.

Virtual Cockpit digi dials are cutting-edge.

No spare tyre eating into boot space!

Merc’s quick steering means it’s easy to chuck into bends. Good body control too.

Merc’s cabin is high on wow factor and old-school charm, but while quality is good, you will find some poor bits.

Good back support in C 250d but seat squab too short to give proper thigh support.

Comand interface feels a step behind the others.

9-speed auto shifts seamlessly.

Merc’s panoramic sunroof will be a big hit.

3-series has an uncanny balance of comfort and dynamic ability; so good to drive.

BMW interior feels solid but the dash design is starting to feel dated now. It’s very driver focused though.

Low seat means tricky ingress, but once there, the BMW is superbly comfortable.

Rev-happy BMW engine pushed back for weight balance.

iDrive still the slickest system.

No camera, only rear parking sensors.