Are you a fan of James Bond? Let’s be honest, who isn’t? The excitement, the action-packed shootouts, the glamorous locations, the never-ending flow of money, and of course, the iconic cars. What’s there not to love?
When it comes to the whips – as those from the streets of London like to call them – there are none more impressive than the Aston Martin DBS from Daniel Craig’s maiden appearance as 007 in Casino Royale. That 2006 blockbuster marked the start of the Layer Cake star’s impressive run as Bond and reignited our love for the franchise after Piers Brosnan’s less-than-successful stint. It raked in a whopping $616 million at the box office and remains one of the most successful Bond films ever.
The iconic image created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer perfectly captures the thrill and rush of gambling, as the name of the movie suggests. But technology has advanced, and more and more players are turning to video poker entertainment options to satisfy their cravings. These games offer the convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home, coupled with the exciting potential to win big – thanks to the advancements in live dealer experiences and the glitz and glamour inspired by real casinos.
However, brace yourself, just like James Bond himself discovered in the casinos of Monte Carlo; the competition in these games can be ruthless, and the stakes are high. Poker tournaments do indeed offer limitless entertainment and the thrilling prospect of striking it lucky, but they are wildly competitive at the same time. If you play your cards right, though, you may well come out on top and feel like Bond patrolling the French streets while looking like a million bucks.
A True Icon
The DBS is a grand tourer produced throughout a five-year stretch between 2007 and 2012. It was designed by Ian Callum and was powered by a 6.0L V12 engine packing a mighty 510 brake horsepower, making it quick, powerful, and thrilling to race. It was built for dynamic driving and provided excellent steering feel and balance, making it a real driver’s car.
But this isn’t just about the adrenaline rush. As you may have gathered from the “tourer” description, it’s the ideal car for embarking on a European road trip, winding through scenic routes. Those fortunate enough to own one will vouch for the Aston’s luxurious ride, smooth as silk.
Casino Royale: The Perfect Debut
In Casino Royale, the DBS played a great main role and was no ordinary car. Its adept handling, strength, and speed were brilliantly displayed during the chase scene involving James Bond and Le Chiffre’s thugs. The stunt team employed two different models of the automobile, both of which had their roofs removed, to create breathtaking photographs that made us all fall in love. Its ability to weave through crowded passageways, smash through an embassy gate, and avoid oncoming traffic would have amazed any petrolhead.
Legacy: A Timeless Classic
The DBS will always be the quintessential Bond car, and its legacy will live on forever. It represents the perfect combination of craftsmanship, power, and style, which are the hallmarks of the esteemed brand. It is the dream car for many petrolheads, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its iconic status in the world of cinema and motoring makes it more than just a car, but a cultural icon.
In more recent installments of the Bond franchise, further Astons have featured prominently. No fewer than four were spotlighted in the 2021 spectacular “No Time To Die,” namely the DB5 – an improved version of the now 15-year-old DBS – the Vantage, the Superleggera, and the Valhalla.
Aston Martin’s Return to the Big Time
It isn’t just the big screen where Aston Martin has shone brightly in recent times. The beloved British brand made its return to the cut-throat world of Formula One back in 2021, and it immediately made an impact when it announced the signing of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel from Ferrari. The German icon managed to steer the team throughout a rough couple of years, even managing a second-place finish at the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. It wasn’t until the ongoing campaign however that they truly became one of the frontrunners in the sport.
The 2022 F1 season was dominated by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen as he romped to a second straight world title in record-breaking fashion. However, Spanish icon Fernando Alonso made headlines throughout the second half of the campaign when he announced he would be leaving Alpine to join Aston Martin, who was a backmarker at the time. The decision proved to be a masterstroke.
This year, Verstappen has dominated once more; however, Alonso has managed to transform the fortunes of his new team. He has managed to pick up no fewer than seven podiums – including three on the bounce to start off the new season – and more look set to follow throughout the remainder of the campaign. Whether Mike Krack can help Alonso become the oldest world champion in the history of the sport next term, however remains to be seen.
