Aston Martin Vulcan lands in New Zealand

Australians can glance over the fence at our New Zealand neighbours with driveway envy, as it now boasts the single Aston Martin Vulcan delivered in the Southern Hemisphere.

Aston’s most exclusive vehicle cost $4.2 million NZD delivered, or about $3.8m in our currency, and is one of only 24 built worldwide.

The Vulcan was purchased by Tony Quinn, owner of the Highlands Motorsport Park just east of Queenstown, to promote the driving-sports facility and celebrate three years since it opened its doors.

Quinn officially launched the ‘Highlands Vulcan’ last weekend with a hot-lap experience for those “looking to partake in the true craftsmanship and decadence of the Aston Martin Vulcan on the best circuit in the Australasia.”

The motorsport-inspired British supercar utilises a 7.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with “800hp plus” – more than 597kW – and drive is channeled to 345mm-wide 19-inch rear rubber via a six-speed sequential shift gearbox.

The Vulcan also features F1-style pushrod suspension with anti-dive feature and driver-adjustable dampers, front and rear anti-roll bars, ABS and traction control.

Ten rides were available to purchase with proceeds going to the Halberg Trust, a local fundraiser for a child who lost his father in a helicopter accident, and also Cure Kids and Relay For Life charities.

Highlands Motorsport Park is open seven days and is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown Airport. It features a national motorsport museum, Jurassic Park land for families, and dirt buggy and go-kart tracks in addition to the racing circuit.

The Aston Martin Vulcan will be stationed at the facility until September 2016.