JOHN EAGLE EUROPEAN APPROVED TO OFFER NEW ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE TO CENTRAL TEXAS CLIENTS

Limited Edition Super Car Once Only Available in Europe and Middle East


AUSTIN, Texas – May 19, 2010 – Aston Martin has confirmed that John Eagle European can now give Austin area customers the opportunity to own the spectacular Aston Martin Rapide V12 Vantage. Originally intended only for European and Middle Eastern countries, deliveries of the two seat sports car for central Texas customers are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“In response to unprecedented customer demand, Aston Martin has agreed to allow us to offer the V12 Vantage, the most potent production sports car in the marque’s 96-year history, to our customers in Central Texas,” said Sonny Morgan, dealer principal at John Eagle European. “Very few of these supercars will be built and we’re excited to provide access to this wonderful Aston to our clientele.”

Originally launched last year for European markets only, the V12 Vantage captured accolades and praise around the world from enthusiasts and journalists. The V12 Vantage has a 6 liter V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb ft of torque, a top speed of 190 mph can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.2 seconds.

“This is the ultimate performance interpretation of the Vantage range, combining our most agile model with our most powerful engine,” stated Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez. “It represents the definitive Aston Martin driving experience; providing spectacular performance to ensure a dynamically thrilling drive in a highly exclusive package.”

Aston Martin initially predicted that demand in North America would not be sufficient to homologate it for the US market. However, strong demand from customers led the company to complete an engineering study into the feasibility of making the V12 Vantage available in the Americas. Six months later, a series of engineering refinements were introduced to satisfy the specific requirements of the American market.

The fastest Aston in the company’s line, the V12 Vantage expresses performance potential with a purposeful stance created by enhanced aerodynamic and cooling aids that also visually widens the car. The sports interior permits the driver to extract maximum performance from the car while also enjoying customary levels of Aston Martin style and comfort.

High levels of power and torque are available at all speeds, making the Aston responsive and tractable in any driving situation on the track or on the road. Last year as the final engineering durability test for the car, a near-standard specification V12 Vantage competed in the grueling Nürburgring 24-hour race driving to a class victory at the hands of the company’s engineering team, including Dr. Bez. A similar V12 Vantage just competed in the race again last weekend, finishing the race in spectacular fashion.

“The V12 Vantage is a designed for the serious driver,” added Morgan. “Leveraging materials and components developed for Aston’s racing program, every component of the V12 Vantage was honed for pure driving pleasure. It’s a fantastic, special car.”

The V12 Vantage is built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire at a state-of-the-art production facility combining hi-tech manufacturing processes with traditional hand-craftsmanship. The V12 Vantage is available to order now and deliveries to Aston Martin of Dallas are expected to begin during the fourth quarter of 2010.

John Eagle European was the 36th and one of the most successful Aston Martin locations in North America. It services and sells a full range of handcrafted, high performance vehicles from the flagship Aston Martin DBS to the V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapide and V12 Vantage.

About John Eagle European
John Eagle European is part of the John Eagle group of dealerships, who own and operate 13 dealerships in Texas. John Eagle European offers the complete line of Aston Martin, Bentley and Lotus fine motorcars. In addition, the dealership offers pre-owned models and services all of those cars. The museum-inspired facility hosts exclusive events year-round. Additional information about John Eagle European is available at www.johneagleeuropean.com or by calling (512) 401-2663. You may also contact Scott Black at (214) 520-3430 ext. 303 or sblack@tprm-usa.com.