Aston Martin range updated for 2022 as brand launches revised online configurator

Aston Martin has announced changes across its entire 2022 model range and introduced a redesigned online configurator to step up its digital offering.

For 2022, the AMG-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 in the DB11 has received a bump in power, up 18kW to 393kW. This extra muscle has resulted in a new top speed of 309km/h, achieved through a larger torque band across the rev range.

Newly optional ‘Sports Plus’ seats are also available in the DB11, adding extra shoulder, thorax and leg support for the driver and passenger.

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The DBS Superleggera has removed the variant badge for the new model year, with the V12 flagship model now simply referred to as the Aston Martin DBS, while the AMR (Aston Martin Racing) insignia has also been stripped from the V12 DB11.

The marque claims this move will help in simplifying the range as part of Aston Martin’s renewed focus on customer experience, under the ‘Project Horizon’ plan formed by CEO Tobias Moers.

Twenty-one-inch alloy wheels will be added to the Vantage and DBS ranges, while the DBX SUV features optional 23-inch alloy wheels for 2022. The DBX also picks up the ‘Sports Plus’ seats and a wireless charging pad which will display charge information directly onto the Mercedes-Benz-derived infotainment system.

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With customer experience now at the heart of the brand, Aston Martin has launched a revamped online configurator alongside the 2022 model range.

Claiming customers will be able “to intuitively create their most desired Aston Martin”, the new tool has been developed using Epic Games’s Unreal Engine – the gaming technology behind the GMC Hummer’s infotainment system – as well as popular action titles including Fortnite and Rocket League.

In addition to Epic Games, Aston Martin has enlisted the help of MHP – a Porsche subsidiary which provides IT assistance to the automotive industry – and Nvidia RTX on the Google Cloud platform to develop its new online system.

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Buyers and dreamers alike will now be able to view their perfect Aston Martin in 3D ultra high-definition, enabling them to zoom-in while retaining full high-res quality. The configured vehicle can then be viewed either in a studio environment or at real locations.

Potential customers can also request for a more personal interaction with their configured vehicle by scheduling an online session with a preferred dealership. Furthermore, unique brochures, social media sharing links and test drive bookings are fresh to the online tool.

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The brand claims high levels of traffic related to the 2021 Formula 1 season – which Aston Martin returned to after a 61-year absence – as well as an emphasis on improving its online experience as a result of Covid-19, have been the driving forces behind the redesigned website.

“Like many businesses, a proportion of our customers switched over to online buying during the pandemic, so we have improved this process to allow remote customers to receive the full Aston Martin experience,” said Tobias Moers.