Back It Up Aston Martin

John Eagle Aston Martin of Austin now offers retrofitting reverse camera kits on select DB9, Rapide and Vantage models.

The reverse camera kit comes with a precision-made 'zero-lux' camera and 'fish-eye' lens with 170° horizontal viewing angle mounted discreetly above the Aston Martin’s rear number plate. When in reverse, a clear, wide-angle image is displayed on the navigation screen. The screen then reverts to normal as you select Park, Neutral or Drive.

The reversing kit has been designed to be quick and easily integrated with Aston Martin’s current electronic components, so it’s an easy installation process.

Contact Aston Martin of Austin at (512-401-2663) or visit www.astonmartinofaustin.com to see if the kit works on your car model.

More information about the retrofit camera kit can be found here at Aston Martin. Additional information about John Eagle European can be found here.

Aston Martin reveals real-life Gran Turismo DP-100 at Pebble Beach

This week, Aston Martin revealed a real-life version of its 800-horsepowerGran Turismo DP-100 at Pebble Beach in Carmel, California.

The car was originally designed for the successful racing game Gran Turismo. Kazunori Yamauchi, creator and designer of the game, called it “the future of Aston Martin.” Gamers began downloading the virtual car in July of this year.

“Many of the design cues visible in the DP-100, such as the light blade rear lamps, could also feed through into future sports cars that we’ll launch in the offline world,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s lead designer. “The importance of this project should not be underestimated.”

This V12 coupe concept won’t make it to the production lines, but it does foreshadow what to expect from Aston Martin in years to come. Elements like the car’s black wing-like cooling vents and deconstructed LED tail lights are features that will likely pave the road for future cars.

At the Aston Martin Villa near Carmel, California where the real-life version of the DP-100 was showed, Reichman talked more about his inspiration for the vehicle which comes from nature, sound and light to perfect the sleek design.

Rolls-Royce to Build New Convertible Model

Rolls-Royce has confirmed that they will build a new model to be released in mid-2016 that will expand the company’s convertible lineup. Rolls-Royce emphasized that the car will be modern and contemporary while keeping the classic Rolls-Royce quality made possible by the Phantom, Ghost, and Wraith lines

“I am truly delighted to confirm the development of our new model that will open an exciting new chapter in the great story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce. “We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership.”

Rolls-Royce hasn’t revealed the details of the new convertible, but has confirmed that the vehicle will launch in 2016. The new vehicle is speculated to resemble a convertible version of the Wraith Coupe, which is based off the Ghost model.

“The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the automobile industry,” said Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “When it arrives in 2016, this elegant and sensuous new car will build on the success of our current models and will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s commitment to long-term sustainable growth.”

Here at John Eagle European, we are very excited to hear that this car is coming to the market in the next couple of years. This gem will look great on our lot, but even better on the road.

For more information about Rolls-Royce, please follow this link. For additional information about John Eagle European, follow this link.

Cars from Clay

Aston Martin is recruiting clay sculpting trainees to design its new future supercars. The brand, which is favored by James Bond and headquartered in Gaydon, Warwickshire, uses clay models as part of the design process.

“Clay sculpting remains an integral part of the design process at Aston Martin and is vital in helping the design team visualize future models,” said Marek Reichman, design director. “This is an incredible opportunity for talented and ambitious individuals to join one of the world’s most respected automotive design teams and work on new cars that, I’m sure, will be admired around the world.”

The company said that successful recruits would be trained to create full-sized clay versions of its cars by the end of their training. Skilled clay sculptors have the ability to turn 2D sketches into 3D life-sized models.

“We’re looking for creative young people with a keen interest in the motor industry and have a passion for all things Aston Martin,” said Reichman.

The apprenticeship program is delivered in-house partnered with Walsall College through formal learning at the company’s Technical Academy at Gaydon. The next two recruits will take part in a four-year apprenticeship program starting next January with Aston Martin’s design department.

Recognize Good at John Eagle European

The media seems to be filled with tragedy and gloom. From armed conflict to violence in the streets, sometimes it seems that mankind has lost its mind, and most of its heart.

That is why Recognize Good was formed. Recognize Good is a local Austin organization that identifies individuals, or charitable acts, that impact the lives of others for the better. They tell the stories that are too often overshadowed by today’s media.

On July 30, John Eagle European hosted Recognize Good’s volunteer ceremony to tell one such inspiring story. The organization honored Melissa Duclos, who is a key volunteer for Your Ride is Here, Inc. The organization provides luxury and exotic cars to transport cancer patients to and from treatments.

“Melissa Duclos joined Your Ride Is Here nearly four years ago as a volunteer driver,” said Ken Adams, founder and executive director, Your Ride Is Here. “Because of her compassion, she made it a point to make sure not only was the ride she scheduled to provide was covered, but all their subsequent rides were as well.  This commitment enabled her to add valuable input during the development of an automated scheduling application which is used by several hospitals to match patients with a volunteer in their area today.”

One of the many notable acts of kindness Duclos organized was getting a 2014 SRT Viper for a terminally ill teenager. The event was held at the Westin and hosted the family, local Viper club and the SRT team including SRT’s CEO Ralph Giles. After that event Freddie, the teenager, became the first civilian to ride in the 2014 SRT Viper.

John Eagle European has been an active participant with the Your Ride Is Here program. The dealership has given the charity use of Aston Martin, Rolls Royce and Bentley motorcars for these important cases.

“I’m proud to be associated with such wonderful people who volunteer to make the lives of cancer patients so much easier,” said Sonny Morgan, principal dealer at John Eagle European. “They take the worry of transportation off the minds of people battling for their lives. With the help of John Eagle European, they can accomplish this mission in style.”

The ceremony concluded with a passing of a $1,000 check from Recognize Good to the Your Ride Is Here organization in honor of Melissa Duclos as the July 2014 Legend.

“It’s terrific that organizations like Your Ride Is Here would be supported by Recognize Good for their selfless acts,” added Morgan. “Our hope is that this honor would encourage others to do good in their community. We need more people like Melissa.”

More information can be found here for Recognize Good and for Your Ride Is Here.
Additional information about John Eagle European can be found here.