Aston Martin Reveals V12-Powered DBR22 Speedster

One out of two mysterious Monterey debuts from Aston Martin has been revealed, in the form of a V12-powered speedster concept called the DBR22. This coach-built masterpiece was made to celebrate ten years of Q by Aston Martin, the brand's bespoke division. The DBR22 has already been given the green light for production, and will be sold in limited numbers to select members of Q by Aston Martin.

The DBR22's design draws inspiration from Aston's open-cockpit models of the past, like the DBR1 and DB3S, with a two-seat, roofless layout. Unlike the Vantage-based V12 Speedster, this concept has a small windscreen in front to shield the driver from any unexpected mishaps. However, it'll likely still require a helmet.

While most limited-production vehicles are based on outgoing models, the DBR22's carbon fiber body has been developed from the ground up, with its muscular accent lines and simplified body panels creating a seamless, uninterrupted look. And yes, we did just say carbon fiber.

The first model in Aston's speedster lineage was the DB3S, introduced in 1953. The DBR1 succeeded it, winning 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 with Carrol Shelby and Roy Salvadori as its drivers. Later that year, it was crowned the winner of the World Sports Car Championship.

Taking on this successful legacy, Aston's design team penned the DBR22 as a modern-day version of these cars. To emphasize its simplistic look, there are reduced body lines for a cleaner effect that draws the eye towards its sporty accent lines. But not everything is the same, as the DBR22 wears a completely new grille design compared to existing Aston Martin models. A sculpted carbon fiber intake replaces the regular veins, with notable resemblance to the DBR1 and DB3S.

The side profile really brings the character lines into view with fewer panel gaps, flowing from the hood, past the window-less cockpit, and around the muscular rear wheel arches. Within the wheel arches, the DBR22 rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with a lightweight, 14-spoke design. Over towards the front, there is a horseshoe-shaped intake positioned on the front fender, directing air flow from the engine bay. The rear features a sleek rear light bar, as well as large exhaust pipes housed within the sizable rear diffuser.

While the styling of the DBR22 definitely brings pleasure to the eye, the best part of the experience resides under that long, sculpted hood. That's where you'll find the 5.2 liter twin-turbo V12, which makes 705 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque. Aston Martin claims a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds, and the concept is capable of reaching a top speed of 198 miles per hour.

The cabin is just as beautiful as everything else, with materials such as carbon fiber and leather. The dashboard is a huge, much-needed separation from current models, as the small multimedia screen no longer sits on top of the center stack. Instead, it lays in between the dual curved air vents, which are surrounded by carbon fiber. Behind the seats reside twin nacelles that flow into the rear bodywork, improving air flow behind the cockpit.

There are also a few highlights that you probably won't ever see, as they lie below the car. The rear subframe has been made using 3D-printing technology, a first for Aston Martin. It consists of multiple parts printed out of aluminum, which have been bonded together. This new manufacturing technique is said to save weight while maintaining the vehicle's stiffness.

The DBR22 concept will be displayed at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance from Friday, August 19th through Sunday, the 21st. It shouldn't be long before Aston Martin's next big reveal makes its way into the spotlight.

What do you think of this DBR22 concept?

Images: Aston Martin