What's this all about?

Bit of the same-old over at the Aston Martin stand in Paris, the British sports car firm showing its new V12 Vantage S Roadster (read our first drive of it here) and adding a Carbon Black edition to the Vanquish line-up. Probably of more note is Aston's recent appointment of a new CEO, ex-Nissan man Andy Palmer.

Excellent. Tell me more about him.

Palmer is going to be busy, for as glorious as Aston's cars look the Vantage is well overdue replacement and the Vanquish only just keeps up with its rivals. Still, there's an impending partnership with AMG for engine supply, which should allow Aston to catch up. Palmer clearly understands that, saying: "The company is at a significant point in its development. Building on our contemporary and relevant product line, we will work hard to extend the company's global presence while preserving its British heritage and craftsmanship."

Ok. What else?

Nothing new for now, but that AMG tie-up should bring with it some added momentum. Until then there's always the glorious, if flawed V12 Vantage S to divert your attention, or some shiny black weave on the Carbon Black special editions of the Vanquish. The Vanquish got a new eight-speed auto recently too (read our first drive in that here), so it's better than ever.

Anything else of note?

Not for now, no; Aston Martin's stand certainly is worth a look for some eye-candy, but a walk around the show reveals that Palmer has got his work cut out if he wants to maintain, and grow, the brand's global reach.

Kyle Fortune - 4 Oct 2014