Aston Martin has revealed a new open-top speedster concept, the DBR22, inspired by the company’s 1950’s race cars. Designed by Aston Martin’s Q bespoke division, the concept will make its public debut at the upcoming 2022 Monterey Car Week and celebrates the Q division’s 10th anniversary. Aston Martin has also confirmed that the DBR22 will go into production with the firm’s Q division set to build just 10 road-going examples.
The coach-built concept’s design harks back to the firms’ DBR1 and DB3S race cars with its flowing lines, open cockpit and stubby single-piece wraparound windshield (read wind deflector) a modern interpretation of the design of its past racers. Aston Martin has used a lot of modern materials in the concept’s design and engineering with a full carbon fibre bodywork and the aluminium rear subframe a 3D printed component.
In terms of styling, the nose is dominated by a large open grille with a prominent splitter sitting at the base of the bumper. The long and low bonnet features a sizeable horse-shoe-shaped vent – a design seen on the new V12 Vantage. The rear deck features twin nacelles – another throwback to its open-top race cars with the car sitting on unique 21-inch centre-locking alloy wheels.
The rear is characterised by a thin wrap-around lightbar and a rear bumper that incorporates a notable diffuser element and twin central exhaust.
The cabin features extensive use of exposed carbon fibre and leather with the dashboard design unlike any of the company’s previous road cars. A digital screen sits in the instrument binnacle while a touchscreen is neatly integrated between the vertically oriented central air-con vents with touch-sensitive controls lower down. Race-style carbon-fibre bucket seats round out a minimalist look cabin.
Coming to the engine, the DBR22 uses Aston Martin’s 5.2-litre, twin-turbo V12 driving the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The engine puts out a notable 705 bhp and 753 Nm with the gearbox also uniquely calibrated for the vehicle. Aston Martin claims a 0-96 kmph time of just 3.4 seconds with a top speed touching 319 kmph.
The DBR22 will be on display at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance From August 19 to 21, 2022.
