The new Aston Martin V12 Speedster comes out of a union between the iconic DBR1 that won the 1959 Le-Mans and the seven-year-old CC100 Speedster Concept, and also draws upon the aeronautical industry.
Created by Q by Aston Martin, the Speedster comes based on its own purpose-built chassis with only a few parts borrowed from the Vantage and the DBS Superleggera models. It boasts independent suspension on both axles, adaptive three-way adjustable shocks, 21-inch forged centerlock wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes.
Certain body kit parts are stylized after the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and the livery is a collaboration with Boeing experts.
For the first time in a long while, this particular Aston Martin sports a power dome on the hood, which its designers claim helps accommodate the massive V12 underneath. The company emphasizes that it decided against the V8 for performance reasons. The 5.2-liter monster motor sits between the axles and produces 700 hp (522 kW) along with 753 Nm (555 lb-ft) of maximum torque. Other than that, the supercar is mostly made of carbon, and the lack of a roof and a windshield makes it extremely light. This is why getting from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes only 3.5 seconds, and the maximum speed is 300 km/h (186 mph).
The inside space delineates two zones: the driver’s and the passenger’s. The finish involves carbon fiber, aluminum and leather, and there is a portable leather bag sitting where the glove compartment usually is.
According to the manufacturer, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster will emerge in the first quarter of 2021 in a series of 88 priced at $950,000 USD and above.