Here’s a curious news. Aston Martin announced a new car, but it’s for a video game. That alone shouldn’t be that intriguing given racing games have a history in adding concept cars, but this isn’t for a racing game, and not for Fortnite either. It’s for Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 4.
The Aston Martin Dreadnought is described as a “digital-only military specification vehicle designed exclusively for the new Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 4.” The British luxury car brand worked in collaboration with developer Infinity Ward and publisher Activision in creating what’s essentially a performance SUV built for battle, literally.
The Aston Martin Dreadnought features an all-wheel drive, a V12 engine, “advanced armour technologies” yet still retain the luxurious interior of an Aston Martin: exterior carbon fibre with herringbone weave, Oxford Tan leather dashboard and door panel details, and a metallic gold gear lever—it’s a manual, apparently. Like any modern car of today, there’s a large touchscreen console that runs across the passenger side which includes menu buttons for media, navigation, and, curiously, buttons to access weapons and killstreaks. It’s a car made for Call Of Duty, after all.
The Dreadnought looks tough, but it’s still recognisable as an Aston. The front grille and flowing haunches on the side gives a bit of that Aston Martin Vantage look, more aggressive than the Aston Martin DBX SUV, but edgier than any prior Astons with its sharper lines. It’s also cladded in Chiltern Green, albeit with a matte finish. The brake lights follow the brand’s current design language of having protruding stems, evoking the Aston Martin Vulcan.
Outside some exceptions like the DB series, Aston Martin cars typically has a name that starts with the letter V, see the Valhalla, Valkyrie, Vulcan and Vantage. The Aston Martin Dreadnought is called as such as a callback to the British warship, the HMS Dreadnought.
As to why Aston Martin made a brand new car just for a video game that isn’t about racing cars, well, it’s part of the brand’s diversification efforts to reach new audience: the so-called “ball and gun” gamers that are the core audience of the Call Of Duty series.
“Our brand diversification strategy is built on exploring new dimensions of luxury, and expanding Aston Martin’s footprint into the gaming world allows us to engage with a new generation on their own terms,” said Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification, Aston Martin. “The Dreadnought isn’t just a digital vehicle; it’s a strategic gateway for a younger, global audience to experience our ultra-luxury DNA. By pushing the boundaries of virtual engineering, we are ensuring that the spirit of Aston Martin resonates powerfully with the luxury consumers of tomorrow.”
While Aston Martin has no plans in putting the Dreadnought into production, there is a full-size model of the new SUV displayed at Fanatics Fest in New York, at the Call Of Duty stand.
Looks like James Bond isn’t the only one getting to drive an Aston Martin in a video game. The soldiers in the next COD game will follow suit.
Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 for the PS5, PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, Battle.net), Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.