Red Arrows Aston keeps its cool

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A highly durable ceramic coating from specialist heat management company, Zircotec Group, is being used to treat the exhaust tailpipes of a special Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition.

The limited-run vehicle, of which only 10 have been made, uses Zircotec’s Ultimate Range coating technology.

“Zircotec is delighted to be associated with this project, which combines the visual and dynamic thrills of the latest limited-edition Aston Martin and the aviation legends of the Red Arrows,” says Zircotec Group Sales Director, Graeme Barette. “The use of our ceramic coating not only provides an aesthetically attractive finish, but through advanced thermal management of exhaust temperatures protects the custom Éclat red paint finish and expensive carbon fibre diffuser that encases the exhaust tips.”

The exclusive Aston Martin uses Zircotec’s Ultimate Range coating, which is specifically formulated for use on vehicle exhaust tailpipes to withstand extreme heat. In this instance, the coating was applied using an automated process, which ensures a high quality, consistent finish. Its automated capabilities allow the company to cater for large volumes, up to 100,000 parts a year, with additional programmes in place to increase this further.

“The quad exhaust tips are a focal point of the rear of the car, so the finish has to perfect not just when it leaves the factory but in 10 years‘ time too,” continues Barette. “The quality of coating on an A Class surface component has to be very high, particularly for a tailpipe, which is subjected to salt, moisture, stone chips and high temperatures. The proprietary way we apply the coating and our state-of-the-art automated process enables us to achieve this. Aston Martin and the Red Arrows are two of the most iconic marques in British history, so they expect the best."

Further benefits of the Zircotec Ultimate Range that make it the ideal tailpipe coating for the Q by Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows edition, include resistance to flame and heat, corrosion protection, defence against staining and weather damage, and the ability to maintain aesthetics without flaking, pealing or chipping.

The Aston Martin Vanquish S Red Arrows editions are one of the most exclusive Aston Martins ever built. Each car is uniquely paired with a Red Arrows jet, including matching military serial numbers throughout. Red 10 has been donated to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and has been raffled off to raise money for the organisation.

Zircotec Group is a specialist heat management company that was formally part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, based near Oxford. Its expertise in thermal barrier technologies was originally developed for the nuclear industry and many of its scientists and engineers have remained with Zircotec since its nuclear origins.

The company’s products include: proprietary plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings; exhaust system coatings; inlet manifold coatings; heat shield materials; wear resistant, anti-corrosion and aesthetic coatings; ceramic coatings and metal coatings for carbon composites and high-temperature plastics; and specialist plasma-sprayed ceramic products.

www.zircotec.com

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