British sports car maker Aston Martin has just taken another step toward expanding its lineup with the introduction of the performance-oriented AMR division. Derived from the Aston Martin Racing arm, AMR made its public debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, where two production-ready concepts previewed the first models to wear the new badge.

Based on the regular models but developed With enhanced performance, sharper dynamics and more aggressive styling, the AMR cars will pretty much slot between the standard road-going lineup and the race-only vehicles created for GT4- and GT3-spec racing. The AMR brand follows in the footsteps of iconic Aston Martin road cars from the past, such as those that received the Vantage designation before it became a stand-alone nameplate. Vantage-specification models were launched in 1951 and the project eventually steered the marque to an historic outright win at Le Mans in 1959.

AMR cars will also take inspiration from Aston Martin Racing. Established in 2004, the motorsport division has enjoyed great success in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), winning the GT Drivers' Championship in 2016 and securing three class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On top of that, the company's GT3 and GT4 programs have brought home countless victories and championship titles over the last decade.

The AMR lineup will include two types of cars. There will be plain AMR models closely related to their road-going counterparts and AMR Pro cars on the more extreme side of things, including versions for track use only. The development of all AMR Pro models will be led by the Q by Aston Martin Advanced Operations, the highly-skilled department that helped create outstanding vehicles such as the Vantage GT12, Vantage GT8 and Aston Martin Vulcan.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin brought the Rapide AMR and the Vantage AMR Pro as the first products from the new performance division. Find out more about them below.

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Rapide AMR

Fitted with a new, full height grille that will become AMR's signature feature, as well as custom grille, splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser, this special Rapide is finished in the same Stirling Green with lime green accents color seen on Aston Martin Racing race cars. The exterior look is completed by new 21-inch alloy wheels. Inside, Aston Martin added carbon-fiber trim, lightweight carbon front seats wrapped in Dark Knight Alcantara with lime green accents. The naturally aspirated, 6.0-liter V-12 engine was also upgraded to generate 592 horsepower, a 40-horsepower increase over the regular sedan. With these updates, top speed has increased from 203 to 210 mph.

Vantage AMR Pro

Heavily influenced by Aston Martin Racing's WEC-winning V8 Vantage GTE, the Vantage AMR Pro is a much more aggressive take on the production model. In fact, it's so extreme that Aston Martin will launch it as a track-only car. Finished in the same livery as the Rapide AMR, the Vantage AMR Pro also features the signature full height grille and bespoke bumpers and diffuser. However, the coupe is also equipped with the same engine hood and rear wing as the race car, while center-locking wheels come wrapped in Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires. The interior is once again similar to the Rapide and includes Dark Knight Alcantara upholstery with lime green accents and extensive use of carbon-fiber, but it also sports a race-bred roll cage for enhanced safety at the race track. The Vantage also rides on a race-spec suspension system, while the standard 4.7-liter V-8 has been replaced by a development of AMR's GT4 racing engine. Specifically, the V-8 cranks out 500 horsepower, a 70-horsepower increase over the standard unit, which makes the Vantage AMR Pro the most powerful Vantage ever created.

Why it Matters

The AMR division is a big step forward for Aston Martin, which can now compete against products from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M, while offer alternatives for the likes of Shelby Mustang GT350, Chevy Camaro ZL1, or Corvette Z06. The project is still in its infancy, but I'm certain Aston Martin will soon be able to deliver competitors for the Ferrari 488 GTB and McLaren 720S, as well as highly potent track-prepped cars that could outrun the Lamborghini Huracan Performante on the Nurburgring.