Aston Martin news - Lords of the 'Ring - 2008

Aston Martin has just announced plans to build a test facility at the legendary Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Well, we say plans. Aston has actually already started work on converting an existing building into the purpose-built test facility.

The marque has been using the track for extensive testing and development over the years - where it also subjects new models to a gruelling 6,000-mile high-speed sign-off - and so decided it was about time it made a permanent base for its engineering and development team.

The new facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of May.

"The Nürburgring has played a vital part in improving the performance and durability of all modern Aston Martins," said head honcho Dr Ulrich Bez.

"Our new test centre will allow us to further increase the performance of our cars and to share something of the unique Nordschleife experience with our customers."

Sounds like a cool place to work, huh?