Funding secured for next generation of Aston Martins to launch by 2016

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Aston Martin production

Few platforms have served as well as Aston Martin's VH architecture. The flexible platform has underpinned everything the automaker has produced (save the bespoke One-77) since 2003, but it's growing a little long in the tooth. Little wonder, then, that Aston is pursuing a new platform, and the company has now confirmed it has obtained the funding to get there.

The financial backing comes from a bond issue, bringing in £304 million ($487 million) from investors. With the capital in place, sources anticipate Aston will begin working on its next generation of vehicles in 2012, with the first of the new models to debut in 2015 or 2016.

The question at this point is where that new platform will come from. Aston could develop the new architecture in-house, but the likely scenario has it adapting the aluminum platform from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as part of a new arrangement being discussed with Daimler to produce a new range of Maybach and Lagonda limousines together.

We'll found out sooner or later, but in the meantime, Aston is expected to facelift its entire core range over the next couple of years to keep them fresh - and compliant with new regulations, particularly concerning pedestrian impact. Follow the jump for the press release on the bond issue, and watch this space for more information as it emerges.

Continue reading Funding secured for next generation of Aston Martins to launch by 2016

Funding secured for next generation of Aston Martins to launch by 2016 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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