2004 Aston Martin Review

Specifications

Say It Aint So… An Aston Martin Hatchback?

In the old days, if a client wanted a specially-built custom car most manufacturers were happy to oblige. It really didnt matter what was desired - a stretched wheelbase, unique luxury appointments, or completely different sheetmetal, a customer could get what was wanted providing the necessary funds. A symbol of wealth and prestige, well to do clients would have their already upscale vehicles altered on a regular basis.

Many coachwork companies, such as Karmann and Pininfarina, originated this way, by crafting one-off vehicles built on rolling stock that was already in existence. They were tailors of sheetmetal, creating the automotive equivalent of a made to measure Armani suit or haute couture evening gown.

Todays high-end marques offer several different approaches to cater to the buyer who wants a made-to-order vehicle. These methods include bespoke paintjobs, finely furnished interiors with exotic materials, and the addition of premium sound and entertainment systems. BMW has its Individual program and Mercedes-Benz offers its designo options to many of its models, more of an upscale option package than a customization program - just two of many examples that cater to choosy buyers. More similar to old customization programs is Bentleys Mulliner, which offers specially prepared series cars as well as producing handmade individually commissioned projects.

But the fact of the matter is, such additions are minor in comparison to old school coach builders that often altered the physical characteristics of a vehicle. Italian styling house Bertone, instead, offers an old-world solution with its Aston Martin Jet2 Concept. Making its debut at the Geneva motor show, it was named after the original Jet concept styled by company head Nuccio Bertone in 1961. The first Jet utilized the underpinnings of the then top-of-the-line Aston Martin DB4 GT as a one-off show car to compete with the likes of the Pininfarina-built Ferrari 500 Superamerica and other special-bodied exotics. Aston Martin has worked with Bertone on multiple occasions since 1953, producing elegant concourse-winning Barchettas and Cabriolets such as the acclaimed DB24. Fittingly, the original Jet is considered to be the most successful collaboration between Aston Martin and Bertone.

After the Jets production, Aston Martin experimented with several different body style variations aside from the typical coupe and convertible, including a four-door luxury sedan called the Lagonda and a one-off two-door station wagon designated as the Virage “Shooting Brake.” Most of the concepts stuck to the traditional coupe and roadster configurations, including those from rival design house Zagato who recently produced the DBR1. Also, a Vanquish Roadster highlighted Astons display at this years Geneva motor show. One variation that has never been produced before is that of a hatchback, with good reason as the concept of a hatchback Aston Martin sounds as appealing as a cod liver oil and vinegar cocktail.

In theory, the idea of an Aston hatch does not work, but in practice the vehicle is simply gorgeous. Bertones starting point for the Jet2 was the Vanquish, however, in the customization process the wheelbase was stretched by a stately 8.3 inches. It also features a completely new body, although it is still unmistakably an Aston Martin. Alterations fabricated by the Italian coachwork company include flush headlight covers, an altered grille, and additional air vents, which supply extra air to the larger front brakes.

The flowing front end of the Jet2 smoothly links to the windscreen pillars, after which the vehicles profile rises upwards. Tracing the shape of the Jet2 backwards, a chiseled belt-line also tapers upwards. The high peaks of the rear fenders harmonize with the aggressive front end, sending a message of graceful power and strength. Atop the center section is a large transparent roof, which sheds light on the Jet2s cozy interior. The front and rear ends are seamlessly linked together by muscled rear fenders without interruption of door handles or rub strips.

From the back, Bertone has focused on integrating liftgate without turning the vehicle into a station wagon. Angled forwards, the tail is swoopy and daring just like the front of the car. A set of integrated tailpipes and all-encompassing taillights, which echo the trademark front grille, finish off the exterior design modifications of the stunning concept.

The Jet2 rides on the same 12-spoke light alloy wheels that the Vanquish uses and are wrapped in high-performance Michelin street tires. The original idea of the Jet2 was to create a vehicle that took the best styling details of the top-line Vanquish and married them with the functionality of a liftback, creating a unique identity of its own that could still proudly be called an Aston Martin. Mission accomplished! The result is slick and easy on the eyes, a perfect addition to the multi-vehicle garages of Astons ultra-rich clientele.

From an engineering point of view, Bertone has done an excellent job in preserving the structure of the vehicle. All limitations, most importantly torsional rigidity, were respected despite the physical changes to the vehicle. This ensures that the Jet2 will perform just as well as a factory-finished model in handling dynamics or when enduring a collision.

Bertone has also minimized the need for unique components by incorporating as many stock Vanquish parts as possible, cutting development costs and making the possibility for a production version more feasible. Such is the case under the streamlined hood, where a 6.0-liter Cosworth-developed V12 engine, shared with both the new DB9 and Vanquish, lies. The thing to note here is that power is much more to the level of the DB9 than the Astons top-model, which isnt entirely bad. After all, a total of 450 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque is nothing to scoff at. Also similar to the DB9 is the gearbox, a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the clutchless sequential-hydraulic manual found in the Vanquish. Despite its fully-automatic configuration, Aston Martin ensures excitement by offering F1-style steering wheel paddles to allow driver-controlled, lightning-quick gearshifts.

While the Jet2s exterior hints at Vanquish roots, the interior is a completely different story. Its half custom, half reworked DB9 motif helps to deliver a truly bespoke feel to the concept. A familiar waterfall console with pushbutton controls for the automatic transmission has been carried over, as has the climate control and stereo system. New to the Jet2 is metal-finished instrumentation, plus a unique dashboard and steering wheel. Scottish designer David Wilkie used the wheelbase stretch to add a pair of rear bucket seats which also fold flat to yield extra luggage space when needed.

The Jet2s cockpit radiates a warm ambience, focusing on comfort and high-style. Its amongst the best interiors at this years Geneva show, contrasting elements from drastically different time periods and cultures. Most of the interior surfaces, including the dashboard, seats, pillars and roof, are finished in alternating shades of pale green and light beige leather, with a Paisley-style pattern - how 60s. This distinctive British-ness is offset by burnished Pear wood trim and floor boards, declared a tribute to the luxury Italian motorboats of the 50s and to Bertones own past. This old-world charm is offset by modern aluminum trim on the pedals, gauges and doors.

Stile Bertone boss Roberto Piatti commented on the Jet2, stating, “Although this is a concept car, we tried to keep our feet on the ground,” meaning that everything appearing on the concept could make it into a possible production car exactly as is, or with little change. To justify the amount of engineering involved in creating the Jet2, however, Bertone would need several orders, allowing a minor-scale production run. This solution would satisfy the needs of the customer and the manufacturer. Ultimately, the fate of the Jet2 lies in the hands of the plutocratic customer; Bertone claims that if there is a demand for such a vehicle they will build it, and if so golf clubs, hunting gear and Labrador pups will never have traveled in such style or speed before.