Two Aston Martin roadsters will spearhead the marque’s latest new-model offensive, following a glitzy reveal in California.
As part of the prestigious Monterey Car Week, Aston launched a new V12 Vantage Roadster and the exotic DBR22.
First to be announced was the V12 Vantage Roadster, which becomes the first open-top Vantage to use the 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. An output of 700hp also makes it the most powerful Vantage Roadster yet.
Ad-vantage Roadster
Aston has worked hard to prevent the Roadster gaining too much weight over the equivalent V12 Vantage coupe. This includes the use of carbon fibre for numerous body panels, and even an exhaust made from 1mm-thick stainless steel.
There are no doubts about performance, with the V12 Vantage Roadster able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds. Top speed is bang-on 200mph.
Only 249 examples will be made and, perhaps inevitably, Aston Martin has already sold them all.
The sky’s the limit
The Aston Martin DBR22 will be even rarer, with just 24 cars planned. Inspired by the DBR1 and DB3S racers of the 1950s, the chopped-windscreen DBR22 is a strictly open affair.
The car celebrates the 10th anniversary of Q by Aston Martin, the company’s bespoke division – responsible for creating unique and personalised models.
Selected Q customers will be invited to purchase a DBR22 and, of course, tailor it to their exact specification. This includes custom paint finishes, bespoke exterior graphics and an endless range of interior finishes.
Purebred Aston Martin
Powering the DBR22 is the same 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12, this time with 715hp. This allows the car to hit 62mph in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 198mph.
Aston Martin has used novel production techniques for the car, including 3D-printing the rear subframe. Carbon fibre elements are used inside the front grille, replacing the chrome strakes typically found there.
Marek Reichman, chief designer at Aston Martin, said: “We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavouring to express a future in the here today. Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form? Combining this approach with advanced process, technology and materials, we’ve effectively modernised our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree.
“DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sports car full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons”.
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