The Aston Martin Nrburgring Test Centre - initially unveiled in May - is now fully operational as a base for development and durability testing of Aston Martin prototypes and for customer events.
In a further expansion of its Nrburgring activities, Aston Martin has also extended its relationship with the famous circuit by taking on a new display showroom and VIP business lounge in the new Nrburgring trackside development due for completion in June 2009.
At a recent exclusive track day on the legendary Nordschleife circuit, Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez and newly appointed Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer hosted customers and Vantage N24 race teams who were able to test their own cars, drive the latest Aston Martin products and have one-to-one driver training on the circuit. Aston Martin Racing joined the attending teams to test a DBRS9 in readiness for round nine of the Nrburgring VLN endurance series on 11 October.
At the conclusion of the track day, the extended relationship was announced by Dr Walter Kafitz, Managing Director of Nrburgring GmbH and Dr Bez, who commented: "The Nrburgring has played an important part in the development of our cars in recent years and of course we have a fine racing pedigree here too. We are therefore extremely pleased to be able to demonstrate our bond with the Nrburgring even more clearly by extending our involvement."
Officially opened in May 2008, the Nrburgring Test Centre principally serves as a facility for Aston Martin engineers who regularly use the industry pool weeks to test prototypes and current products.
The DBS, DB9, V8 Vantage and forthcoming Rapide and V12 Vantage have all benefited from development at the Nrburgring. A key part of the sign-off process for all new Aston Martin's is a 10,000km durability test on the famous circuit.
The Test Centre, converted from a simple industrial building into a functional workshop and showroom provides 2400m of space to support Nrburgring racing activities for the factory and its customers.