Aston Martin Auckland last night unveiled its new state-of-the-art multi-floor showroom, along with the first V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Special Edition model to reach New Zealand.
The company gathered a showcase of $12million worth of classic Aston Martin models to mark the opening, which included the only Aston Martin Vulcan in the southern hemisphere, a Vanguish Zagato, a One-77 and a DB5.
The new showroom set a new benchmark for Aston Martin dealerships around the world, said the president of Aston Martin, Asia Pacific, Patrick Nilsson.
"The new facility reflects the accelerating interest we're seeing local in this market, with Aston Martin Auckland boasting one of the strongest market shares int he world for the marque," he said.
The showroom in New North Rd is part of a new Giltrap Group headquarters, and will feature several other prestige brands such as Bentley and Lamborghini.
The joint managing director of Aston Martin Auckland, Michael Giltrap, said New Zealand and the Giltrap Group had a special relationship with Aston Martin.
"It is fantastic to see these stunning cars in a location to match," he said.
The new facility is New Zealand's largest and most prestigious combined automotive showroom and office development, and the first building of its type in the country to target a 5-star Greenstar Design rating.
It includes a new servicing bays, customer areas and enough showroom space to display the entire Aston Martin range.
The building has what the Giltrap Group describes as a world-first with a ramp that can accommodate low-slung supercars without any danger of them grounding.
The collectible V8 Vantage Red Bull Racing Special Edition has been created by the marque's in-house personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin.
The model celebrates Aston Martin's links with the Red Bull Formula One team, and has the signatures of drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen adorning both the sill and inspection plaques.
There were recorded messages congratulating the Giltrap Group on the new showroom from the Aston Martin chief executive officer Dr Andy Palmer, and from Ricciardo last night.
The Vantage S Red Bull Racing Special Edition drive away pricing starts at $199,000, with the V12 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Special Edition Sportshift priced from $320,000 plus on road costs.
