Directed by the award-winning Italian director Luca Guadagnino
Starring golden globe winner and Emmy award nominee British actor Josh O’Connor
Art directed by legendary British designer Peter Saville
Musical direction by British songwriter and producer Devonté Hynes
Aston Martin is proud to present the cinematic debut of the brand’s first SUV, DBX.
The company’s first short film has been directed by the Oscar-nominated, Italian director Luca Guadagnino, and stars the golden globe winner and Emmy award nominee British actor Josh O’Connor.
Aston Martin is proud to unveil its new film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, working alongside an impressive creative support team. With art direction by Peter Saville, the film features O’Connor, most recently seen starring as Prince Charles in ‘The Crown.’
Filmed on location in Sicily, the film shows O’Connor undertaking a dream-like excursion at the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX. DBX gives the brand a commanding role in a new sector, the Sports Utility Vehicle. Designed at Aston Martin’s studio in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and built in the company’s state-of-the-art production facility in St Athan, South Wales, DBX shares its DNA with its sports and GT siblings, combining effortless performance, superior dynamics, ultra-luxurious hand-crafted interiors and a truly bespoke customer experience.
‘We have created this movie in which we focus on a man and his mind, as well as his command of a car through a great landscape. It was wonderful how once Josh started to drive the Aston Martin DBX, the car somehow became this unique, beautiful sculptural object,’ said Luca Guadagnino, ‘His figure and line perfectly blend into the line of the car.’
‘The thing that appealed to me first was that Aston Martin is a true British institution, a company that has been ever-present throughout my upbringing,’ O’Connor said, ‘I think the combination of the luxury of the brand, and the luxury of Luca’s vision is perfect and comes through in this very special film. There is a true sense of speed and there are no two ways about it, when you are in the DBX it feels like a true sports car.’
Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: ‘Josh O’Connor is an exceptional actor working at a time of a golden age for drama, while Peter Saville is a true creator of brands. He can turn his talent from creating a stunning logotype, to shaping an iconic image, being a brand ambassador for a city or even re-shaping a whole corporate identity. Together with Luca and Josh, we have three very different but definitive creative characters.’
O’Connor is filmed behind the wheel of a Minotaur Green Aston Martin DBX with a light ivory interior, a contemporary update of a classic colour combination. The camera follows his journey through the island’s vineyards and dirt roads, culminating in a visit to a mysterious but elegant villa. The Aston Martin team joined the production team on set in Sicily to help craft the subtly framed hero shots of the car.
The rich cinematography incorporates overlaid memories and vivid imagery to convey a subtle hint of motivation. As with all his films, Guadagnino demands that the viewer bring their own interpretation to the narrative. In addition to the Oscar-nominated Call Me by Your Name, Guadagnino’s recent films include A Bigger Splash and Suspiria. The director is currently working on his first American production, Bones & All. In parallel to his film career, Guadagnino is also a successful interior designer, working on projects for the wellness brand Aesop, among others.
’My films are always a beautiful interaction between me and the talented people I work with,’ said Guadagnino. ‘We shot the film in May, and the DBX’s beautiful Minotaur Green finish created depth and shade against the Sicilian landscape, which I know so well. The DBX was almost like an Anish Kapoor sculpture, where reflections became very important.’
‘Luca really shared our understanding of the essence of beauty. As a director, he has extraordinary abilities – the way he plays with light is like a dream,’ said Marek Reichman. ‘He also has a fantastic sensibility for materials and form. We wanted to ensure that you could see the sun on the aluminium vanes of the grille, for example, and convey the reflections of sunlight and shadow as they move across the surfaces of the car.’
The experienced director brings a designer’s attention to detail to every frame, visually crafting a powerful and mysterious narrative. With a soundtrack supervised by the celebrated British musician, producer and composer Devonté Hynes, the production was a true collaboration of excellence.
‘We are a 108-year-old ultra-luxury brand. This new film conveys what it feels like to be part of Aston Martin and be truly engaged with the spirit and ethos of the company,’ said Marek Reichman. ‘Luca Guadagnino doesn’t follow trends. He is a true future thinker and we gave him complete creative freedom.’
Aston Martin is proud to be a creative catalyst, bringing experts in their respective fields together to cross-pollinate and push design and culture in new directions. An elegant meditation on desire, dreams and emotions, Luca Guadagnino’s film encapsulates the beauty and strength of the Aston Martin DBX.
About Aston Martin Lagonda:
Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 55 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
Goodwood Revival to host glamorous vintage Car Boot Sale on Sunday 19 September
Event will include celebrity donations from the likes of Annie Lennox, Livia Firth and many more, organised by The Circle
Revival Style Adviser Bay Garnett will judge the Best Dressed Car Boot Sale Competition
Goodwood Revival is excited to announce its inaugural Car Boot Sale on Sunday 19 September.
But this is by no means your average car booter: a stunning series of classic cars will provide the backdrop for the sensationally stylish shopping event with a range of vendors from East End stallholders right through to vintage and retro specialists offering everything from fashion and accessories to furniture and homewares.
It will be a glamorous affair, where guests can sample a hand-crafted cocktail from the Bar Car while listening to vinyl-spinning DJs as they peruse the delights of the Car Boot Sale and discover some second-hand treasures.
The Car Boot Sale will be graced by a selection of fabulous items from celebrity wardrobes, as organised by The Circle, including pieces kindly donated by Annie Lennox and Livia Firth, with more to be confirmed. Founded by Annie Lennox in 2008, The Circle is a global feminist organisation which uses the collective power of women to support the world’s most vulnerable women and girls. In its mission to create a fairer world, it focuses on economic empowerment and ending violence against women and girls. All monies raised during the Car Boot Sale will go towards this vital work.
Also setting up shop at the Revival Car Boot Sale will be Circle of Style – a new personal shopping subscription service that takes the hassle out of second-hand shopping. Circle stylists elevate your wardrobe and ensure that hardly worn pieces have a second life; helping their customers Revive and Thrive pre-loved items.
The Revival Style Advisor and Queen of Thrift herself, Bay Garnett, will judge the Best Dressed Car Boot Sale competition, carefully considering the styling of each car and its wares. Across the weekend, Bay will also be speaking to visitors to discover the heritage and stories behind their vintage fashions.
The Car Boot Sale is set to be an integral part of the Revival’s celebration of exceptional craftsmanship, style and sustainability, as Goodwood encourages visitors to embrace the event’s thoroughly modern ‘Revive and Thrive’ ethos. To this end, we’ll also have someone assisting with alterations and a team of stylists on hand to suggest different ways of wearing purchased pieces, ensuring that shoppers are able to make the most of their new finds at the event and beyond.
Positioned in a prime location on the infield, alongside the Woodcote Paddocks, the Car Boot Sale will also be the spot where fashionistas can get their hands on the latest version of Goodwood’s much-loved ‘Style Guide’. Printed in limited numbers, the keepsake book showcases the best looks and styles from the Revival era (1948-1966), and over the course of the weekend, customers will be able to get their book signed by The Duke of Richmond.
Car Boot aficionado and Revival Style Adviser Bay Garnett said: “I can’t wait to get down to the Car Boot Sale on the Sunday morning of Revival and discover some hidden treasures. I love nothing more than wandering around a car booter – you never know what you might find – but I do know that I’m sure to find some gems at the Revival Car Boot Sale.”
Raakhi Shah, CEO, The Circle, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in the first ever Revival Car Boot Sale. It’s a great way for us to raise money to support some of the most vulnerable women and girls across the world. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the work we do, work which fits perfectly with the Revive and Thrive ethos at the heart of this exciting event.”
To experience a Car Boot Sale like no other, purchase a Sunday ticket (now limited availability).
If you would like to participate as a vendor, there are a small number of spaces still available. All plots are free of charge and we are able to assist with sourcing a period vehicle if required. If you have a period vehicle you would like to bring, please provide details and an image, along with details of stock. Our friendly exhibitions team will be happy to assist and can be contacted at eventsales@goodwood.com. Further information for prospective vendors is available here.
New design elements, the availability of SV Bespoke paint and updated technology provide more choice and enhanced wellbeing for Range Rover Velar customers
Luxury of choice: Range Rover Velar customers can now specify impeccable hand-finished paint finishes from SV Bespoke including the Premium Palette colour spectrum and the exclusive Match To Sample service. Following the successful introduction last year, the Velar Edition’ is now also available in all metallic colour options.
Cabin Air Purification Plus: Land Rover’s enhanced Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filter now automatically manages CO2 levels for optimised wellbeing*, while new Purify Cycle feature allows users to schedule a cleaning cycle, before doors are even opened
Wireless Updates: Available soon via Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay® will provide added convenience**. Wireless Android Auto™ will become available at the same time**
Safety and convenience: Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist† and Rear Camera join the comprehensive suite of Driver Assistance Features on the Range Rover Velar. Self-sealing tyres have also been introduced with this model year update
Electrified Efficiency: Refined four- and six-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol Ingenium MHEV engines available, while P400e plug-in hybrid offers all-electric range of up to 33 miles (53km)Δ and CO2 emissions from only 49g/kmΔ
Available to order now: Range Rover Velar is priced from £45,925 in the UK while the Range Rover Velar Edition is priced from £60,345. Specify yours at: landrover.co.uk
Land Rover has enhanced the unique appeal of the Range Rover Velar with a suite of updates, including the extension of colour options on the Velar Edition.
The Range Rover Velar Edition provides enhanced customer choice, with a combination of exterior and interior specification options. Based on the R-Dynamic SE model, the special edition includes a black contrast roof and matching 20-inch black alloy wheels. The distinctive addition to the range is now available in the full extended colour palette, with all standard metallic colours included as an option.
Range Rover Velar customers looking for an even more personalised and exclusive design can now choose from 14 distinctive paint colour options from the SV Bespoke Premium Palette or Match To Sample service. Specially developed hues, such as Tourmaline Brown [pictured] are available in a range of finishes such as satin matte and ultra-metallic.
Anthony Bradbury, Jaguar Land Rover UK Marketing Director said:‘’The Range Rover Velar ‘Edition’ continues to build on Velar’s sophisticated design offering while customers looking to specify something a little more special and personalised can select from one of Land Rover’s SV Bespoke paint colours.’
With enhanced Cabin Air Purification, urban driving is made even more comfortable and added convenience features such as self-sealing tyres ensure Range Rover Velar customers continue to travel in luxury.”
New technology introduced for 2021 focuses on occupant comfort and wellbeing, with the debut of Cabin Air Purification Plus for Land Rover. Building on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 Filtration, the enhanced new system goes even further to ensure the air occupants breathe inside the cabin is clean, with CO2 sensing and the ability to purify the cabin to start journeys with cleaner air*.
Additionally, Land Rover is introducing a range of new driver assistance features and Software-Over-The-Air updates for the Range Rover Velar, providing greater levels of support and convenience.
Advanced safety and wellbeing Cabin Air Purification Plus for Land Rover makes its debut in the Range Rover Velar, offering improved air quality for all occupants. Building on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filtration, the new system optimises cabin air quality by automatically introducing fresh external air when sensors detect CO2 levels fall outside of acceptable levels*, something which can occur in the event of air recirculation being on for extended periods for example in polluted areas, or with several occupants. High concentrations of CO2 can cause drowsiness, reducing driver alertness, so the feature is intended to provide both wellbeing and safety benefits.
Another new air quality feature for 2021 is the Purify Cycle feature, which allows users to schedule an air cleaning cycle inside the vehicle. This is achieved via the climate control system’s fans and recirculation function, which runs as part of climate pre-conditioning. The driver can simply set a departure time using the Land Rover Remote App, or via the infotainment system, to automatically schedule a Climate Pre-conditioning and Purify Cycle, ensuring the cabin air is cleaned and not stale before any journey.
Customers can monitor interior and exterior air quality on the central touchscreen, activating the Purify mode whenever required.
The Range Rover Velar is enhanced with an expanded range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Rear Camera as standard and Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist†.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist enhances driver comfort, especially on long motorway journeys, by gently assisting steering, acceleration and braking to centre the vehicle in lane while maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead. The feature is fitted as standard to HSE models and is available as part of the Driver Assist Pack.
Self-sealing tyres have also been introduced as a new offering. The feature works using an integrated layer within the tyre which creates an airtight seal over a penetrating object – allowing a customer to continue their journey unaffected.
SV Bespoke Paint Range Rover Velar customers can now also take advantage of the sophisticated, technical exterior body paint colours available from Land Rover SV Bespoke, including the Premium Palette selection and Match To Sample service.
The SV Bespoke Premium Palette colours include Tourmaline Brown, Amethyst-Grey Purple and Petrolix Blue, giving customers even more personalisation potential with impeccable hand-finished quality. Each one is designed to enhance the modernist design of the award-winning luxury mid-size SUV and provides dramatic depth of colour.
Taking personalisation even further, the SV Bespoke Match To Sample service allows customers to blend their own unique colour, matched to any colour sample.
SV Bespoke paint colours are applied at the SV Technical Centre and its state-of-the-art processes have excellent eco-credentials. Each year, the facility saves 2.6 million litres of water by using dry recycled cardboard filter technology while its smart ovens save enough electricity to power more than 65,000 homes.
Across the core Range Rover Velar range, new Ostuni Pearl White replaces Yulong White and elegant Lantau Bronze is available across the entire line-up.
Infotainment and Connectivity Velar features a reductive design, emphasised with beautifully integrated digital screens that are fitted with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi and Pivi Pro. The intelligent and intuitive system, offered as Pivi ProΔΔ from an S-specification pack, transforms the digital experience inside Velar. Pivi is designed around ease of use, with a simple interface reducing the number of interactions to enhance safety. Crisp graphics and super-fast responsiveness are enabled with a new electrical architecture under the surface, ensuring the screens and navigation system are ready to go in seconds, thanks also to a dedicated power source. Customers can access software updates ‘over-the-air’ (SOTA) reducing the need to visit a retailer.
One such SOTA update coming to the Range Rover Velar in 2021 is wireless Apple CarPlay®** Wireless Android Auto™ will also become available at the same time**.
Range Rover Velar is priced from £45,925 in the UK while the Range Rover Velar Edition is priced from £60,345.
* All emissions, fuel economy and EV-only range figures are EU – WLTP (TEL) Combined Note: EV range figures are based upon production vehicle over a standardised route. Range achieved will vary dependent on vehicle and battery condition, actual route and environment and driving style. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted. ** Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is intended to be released as part of a wireless software update on all Range Rover Velar models expected later this year, at which point the features will also be available via a SOTA update for all Pivi and Pivi Pro equipped Range Rover Velar models. Software development and releases are subject to movements in planning and programming, and dates may be subject to change. Δ Operational to temperatures up to 25 degrees ΔΔ Pivi Pro available as standard on R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE models †Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist is available as part of the Driver Assist Pack and Standard on R-Dynamic HSE
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and Molicel have signed a strategic collaboration designed to support the current and next generation of power-optimised battery cells
Molicel currently produces a range of power-optimised cells and is already involved in a number of key projects with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), supporting revolutionary new cell development for future applications
Molicel has accumulated extensive expertise and know-how in chemical research and manufacturing engineering during the last 40 years in addition to database design and validation methodologies
WAE will work with the Molicel team on product design and manufacturing engineering to advance future technologies
Williams Advanced Engineering and Molicel have agreed a strategic collaboration to support the next generation of high performance, superior quality, lithium-ion power battery cells.
The collaboration will bring together power-optimised cell technology from Molicel, together with WAE’s advanced system design and control systems know how to deliver a shared vision of high performance battery systems, optimised for power, while also delivering energy density, across a number of industries.
Molicel has accumulated extensive expertise and know-how in chemical research and manufacturing engineering during the last 40 years in addition to database design and validation methodologies. The relationship will initially focus on collaboration to assess and develop technology to support demonstration activities aimed at growing market awareness of this exciting technological development.
“We are committed to the engineering challenge of cell technology development and in conjunction with Molicel, believe we can address a number of opportunities across a wide range of applications and we look forward to working with the team at Molicel,” said Paul McNamara, Technical Director, Williams Advanced Engineering.
Casey Shiue, President of E-One Moli Energy (MOLICEL®), added: “Molicel is on a mission to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution. We will bring our expertise and experiences on consistent high power, low impedance and fast charge to our collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). Our technology is well suited to the arenas that WAE operates and we are happy to be part of this exciting collaboration”.
Four Aston Martin Vantages to vie for GTE Am class honours at Le Mans
Aston Martin champion Paul Dalla Lana aiming to achieve dream victory
D’station Racing makes Aston Martin debut at Le Mans
TF Sport return to scene of 2020 victory with a two-car attack, including one for ELMS trio John Hartshorne, Ollie Hancock and Ross Gunn
Four Aston Martin Vantage GTEs will return to the scene of the brand’s greatest racing triumph this weekend when three partner teams take on the most famous endurance race of all, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Eleven months ago, Aston Martin clinched the FIA World Endurance Championship GT title by winning both GTE Pro and Am classes at Le Mans. Alex Lynn (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL) and Harry Tincknell (GBR) took a famous victory after a race-long battle with the works Ferraris and Porsches, while in the Am class works drivers Jonny Adam (GBR) and Charlie Eastwood (IRL) joined Salih Yoluc (TUR) in helping TF Sport complete the double for the British luxury sportscar brand.
This year while there are no works machines in the Pro class, the GTE Am category will feature the highest number of privately-entered Aston Martin GT cars in the modern WEC era. Indeed, this is the largest ever Am entry, with no less the 23 cars participating in the event.
Leading the Vantage charge will be the NorthWest AMR squad, whose owner/driver Paul Dalla Lana (CDN) returns to la Sarthe with his Vantage GTE, this time with his own team NorthWest AMR. Dalla Lana and the 2020 Asian Le Mans Series champion Marcos Gomes (BRA), who lie third in the WEC points standings following a brilliant second place finish in the previous round at Monza, will be joined by FIA GT world champion Nicki Thiim (DEN). For Dalla Lana, who won the GTE Am world championship in 2017 with Aston Martin Racing, winning at Le Mans would be the culmination of a long-held ambition having come so close to victory several times before.
Last year’s winners TF Sport come to Le Mans with an all-new and highly competitive driver line-up with GTE Am race-winner Ben Keating (USA), Dylan Pereira (LUX) and Felipe Fraga (BRA). Having finished second in the opening round of WEC, at Spa in May, the trio were leading the class comfortably last time out at Monza when a puncture cost them track position.
The team also brings a second car to Le Mans for its regular all-British European Le Mans Series crew of John Hartshorne, Ollie Hancock and IMSA GTD championship contender and works driver Ross Gunn.
TF Sport’s involvement doesn’t stop there as it also plays an assisting role in D’station Racing’s first assault on Le Mans with Aston Martin. The Japanese team has entered a Vantage GTE for Super Taikyu Championship leaders Satoshi Hoshino (JPN) and regular co-driver Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) along with rising British GT star Andrew Watson. This trio finished third in the Monza WEC round after a thrilling battle with the NorthWest Vantage.
David King – VP, Special Operations & President of AMR – said: “The Vantage GTE reached an unprecedented milestone at last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with a double-class victory and the GT manufacturers’ world title win. This year we have seen that in the hands of our capable partner teams it remains a very competitive force. I look forward with confidence to seeing what can be achieved in what will surely be a closely contested GTE Am class.”
This year’s Le Mans schedule has been moved from its traditional June date to a mid-August setting to account for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Le Mans test took place over the weekend, prior to scrutineering commencing in the paddock as opposed to its normal town square venue. Practice and qualifying will run through Wednesday and Thursday while the race will begin at 1600 CET, Saturday, 21 August.
The Le Mans 24 Hours is the fourth round of the 2021 WEC, which features six rounds, beginning with the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) on 1 May, the 8 Hours of Portimão (POR) on 13 June and the 6 Hours of Monza (ITA) on the 18 July. The series will then conclude with back-to-back races in Bahrain on 30 October and 6 November following this weekend’s Le Mans race.
