Aston Martin Rolls With SmarTire

RICHMOND, B.C.--Aston Martin has selected SmarTire’s wireless tire pressure monitoring system for its new top-of-the-range flagship model.

The V12 Vanquish will go on sale during the second quarter of 2001 and will feature the SmarTire tire pressure monitoring device as standard equipment.

The V12 Vanquish represents the largest ever investment by Aston Martin in advanced technology, and it was developed with assistance from the Ford Research & Vehicle Technology Group and Ford Research Laboratories. “This latest model from Aston Martin pioneers a series of world firsts in its design and provides standards of efficiency and safety compatible with a modern Formula 1 car,” according to the company.

SmarTire technology acts as an early warning system for pressure-related tire problems. Drivers can benefit from improved safety, enhanced handling and greater peace of mind, while increasing tire life and reducing fuel consumption, according to the company.

The SmarTire system uses wireless technology to monitor the tires using sensors attached to each wheel. The system provides advanced warning via an integrated display within the instrument cluster on the V12 Vanquish’s interior should a drop in any tire’s pressure occur. A two-stage visual and audible alarm alerts the driver to any problems.

Aston Martin will hand-build just 300 of the cars each year at its Newport Pagnell factory in the United Kingdom at a cost of around 200,000 Pounds Sterling each.

“The wealth and abundance of expertise and technology which is now available to Aston Martin is reflected throughout this new model,” said Dr. Ulrich Bez, chief executive at Aston Martin. “It is all technology which is targeted and tailored to provide positive benefits to all our customers.”