In '04, Aston Martin created Aston Martin Racing to return the brand back to its sports car racing roots. They began racing a heavily-modified DB9 and since then, have built a variety of V8- and V12-powered race cars for specific customers.
Today, they currently build cars in four different international touring classes from GT1 to GT4. And now they are showing off its seriousness about motorsport by completing its Nrburgring Test Center. Originally announced last May, the Test Center was converted from an industrial building and features a workshop and showroom using 7874 square feet. Aston Martin will be using the facility for development and durability testing for its prototypes as well as a venue for customer events.
The DBS, DB9, V8 Vantage and forthcoming Rapide and V12 Vantage have all benefited from development at the Nrburgring. A key part of the sign-off process for all new Aston Martins is a 10000 km (6213 mi) durability test on the famous circuit.
Aston Martin has also extended its relationship with the famous circuit by building a new showroom and VIP business lounge trackside due for completion in June `09.
At a recent exclusive track day on the legendary Nordschleife circuit, customers and Vantage N24 race teams were able to test their own cars, drive the latest products and have one-to-one driver training on the circuit. Aston Martin Racing joined the attending teams to test a DBRS9 in readiness for round nine of the Nrburgring VLN endurance series on October 11.