If you wanted conclusive proof that Aston Martin under Andy Palmer’s management is headed towards greener pastures, this is it. The Gaydon-based firm has just hired one of the best chassis engineers in the business, Matt Becker, from Norfolk-based company Lotus.
Becker has been Lotus for over 26 years over which he helped create some of the most iconic sports cars in the world. He served Lotus in different capacities, the latest of which was as chief engineer, vehicle test and development. He will be replaced by Dave Marler, a 17-year veteran engineer.
At Aston Martin, Matt Becker will be responsible for vehicle dynamics, NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), aerodynamics and vehicle durability and proving. He is said to be one of the pillars of Aston’s new development plan built around the firm’s new partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
On paper, this is a match made in heaven. If you think about it, the next generation Aston Martin DB9 could have a chassis designed by a Lotus engineer, so it would be nice and taut and amazing to drive; it’ll have a gorgeous design because, well, it’s an Aston; and it will have a rumbling AMG V8 under the bonnet with tons of power. Sounds like quite a recipe.
Via Autocar