DETROIT, January 1999 -- The Aston Martin DB7 is undoubtedly the most successful Aston Martin of all time being produced and sold at a greater rate than any previous model in the company's 86 year history. It is now acknowledged to be a contemporary British classic and has been voted "One of the Most Beautiful Cars in the World" by an independent panel of Italian artists, sculptors, photographers and graphic designers. The production of the 2000th DB7 - a Pentland Green Volante - was completed on July 1 last year beating the previous record of 1850 established with the DB6 between 1965 and 1970.

In a coachwork competition organised by the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers to celebrate the Centenary of the British Motor Industry an international panel of Design Judges named the Aston Martin DB7 as its "Dream Choice".

The Aston Martin DB7 is available in both Coupe and Volante forms and is sold in 31 different countries.

"The DB7 Volante and Coupe are undoubtedly the most sophisticated and technologically advanced Aston Martins ever to be introduced," says Bob Dover, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda.

The Aston Martin DB7 is a classic 2+2 front engine rear wheel drive British sports car. It is powered by a 3.2 litre, supercharged 6 cylinder in-line 24 valve engine which develops 335 horsepower. There is a choice of a close ratio 5-speed all synchromesh manual transmission or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic.

Both the Volante and the Coupe feature twin air bags, side impact beams, full "on board" diagnostic equipment and a most comprehensive range of luxury and safety features all of which are offered as standard equipment.

The suspension is independent at both front and rear and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are fitted as standard equipment. Ultra low profile Bridgestone radial ply tyres have been specially developed and tuned to the suspension of the Aston Martin DB7 to provide exceptional standards of ride comfort and road holding.

The interiors of both the Coupe and the Volante feature Connolly hide upholstery, deep pile carpet and burr walnut for the facia panel and centre console unit. There is an infinite choice of body colour and trim combination available to the customer. Green is still the preferred choice with more than 35% specifying this colour, followed by almost 25% selecting blue and a further 12% choosing silver. Individual components and assemblies are installed by hand while a series of sophisticated quality control systems are used to complement the skills of the craftsmen who are responsible for the production of the DB7.

The precise, speed sensitive, rack and pinion steering is power assisted and cruise control is fitted as standard equipment together with a climate control system.

The maximum speed of both the manual and automatic transmission models is in excess of 160mph and from rest to 60mph is achieved in 5.7 seconds for the manual transmission model.

The Aston Martin DB7 was designed and developed with the assistance and support of Sir David Brown who was the owner of Aston Martin Lagonda from 1947 to 1972 and whose initials have long been associated with this most exclusive world famous range of British Sportscars.

The elegant flowing lines of the DB7 are the work of Scottish designer Ian Callum who during his distinguished career in the automobile industry was for a time senior designer with Ghia of Turin.

Throughout its development Aston Martin Lagonda has been able to take full advantage of the worldwide Research and Development resources of the Ford Motor Company.

The composite materials used for sections of the body and the on board diagnostic equipment have been developed in co-operation with Ford Advanced Vehicle Technology. Full use has been made of Ford Research Centres and proving grounds in Europe and the United States during the 1.0 million mile test programme which has been applied to the Aston Martin DB7.

A comprehensive range of specialist performance parts which has been designed and engineered to enhance the outstanding dynamics of the Aston Martin DB7 and generate even more responsive handling is now available for installation by Aston Martin or any of its 89 sales and service specialists located in 31 different countries throughout the world.

These "Works Prepared" components which were first developed by Aston Martin's team of high performance engineers for the DB7 GT "Project" include AP racing ventilated anti-lock disc brakes, adjustable front and rear suspension systems which can be tuned to the precise requirements of the customer, five spoke magnesium alloy road wheels, traction control, a catalysed competition exhaust system and a range of custom made body panels which have been designed to complement and accentuate the classic lines of the Aston Martin DB7.

"We are determined that Aston Martin will always remain an exclusive marque," says Bob Dover, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda.

"The manner in which we design and build our products is totally dependent on the skills, commitment to quality and personal judgement of the craftsmen who still remain responsible for the creation of an Aston Martin."