DBR22 evokes iconic Aston Martin racers

CALIFORNIA’S iconic Monterey Car Week is the debut location this weekend for Aston Martin’s spectacular DBR22 roadster.

Even in the face of exponentially growing electrification the V12-engined DBR22 design concept with a two-seater coach-built body is odds on to make it into limited production as a celebration of the brand’s impressive bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers.

Created by Aston Martin’s in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, the DBR22 design concept is the latest in a line of extraordinary projects from the Q team which has been in existence for a decade.

During this time, Q has built exclusive cars for the discerning customers including iconic one-off commissions such as Aston Martin Victor, and low volume specials such as Vulcan – limited to 24 examples worldwide – and the Vantage V600, limited to just 14.

All magnificent examples of the breed…

Rather than squander their efforts on a ‘mere’ concept, it seems fitting that the DBR22 forms the basis of a production reality for an “ultra-exclusive” number of Q by Aston Martin customers.

The vehicle is a marriage of the “classic” art of coachbuilding with advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.

Aston Martin describes it thus… “A perfect blend of design purity, engineering precision, heart-pounding performance and true passion.” All underlined by the knowledge it is one of the rarest Aston Martins in the marque’s rich 109-year history.

The DBR22 has classic proportions highlighted by muscular curves that unashamedly speak of tradition, specifically Aston Martin’s lineage of striking two-seater open-cockpit sports cars such as the DBR1 and DB3S.

Clearly, the DBR22 is a dynamic new take on this theme. It showcases a completely new body, a sleek coach-built form that is created from a minimal number of body panels to give a more sculpted, muscular presence. The result is a blend of drama and elegance.

Of note is the new front grille style which incorporates a carbon fibre design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins. It takes inspiration from the DBR1 and DB3S, drawing from Aston Martin’s heritage with a contemporary twist.

The bonnet features a dramatic horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbocharged engine. With a 525kW and 753Nm output the handsome drop top can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and on to a top whack of 319km/h.

An unbroken bonnet line draws your eye back towards the cockpit, over the low line wind deflector and delicate mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbon fibre arms.

Sitting snugly within the wheel arches is a set of 21-inch centre lock hub, lightweight forged alloy wheels featuring a 14-spoke design created for the DBR22.

The DBR22 showcases a bespoke paint colour, developed specifically for the occasion using ‘Paint to Sample’ – an option available through Q by Aston Martin.

The cockpit is a fusion of classic and contemporary styles with many special components and an extensive use of leather and exposed carbon-fibre. Though inspired by Aston Martin’s competition cars, the DBR22 is no bare-bones racer inside.

Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads.

At the rear a perforated panel allows hot air to exit together with a smoothly integrated diffuser and a pair of large diameter exhaust tailpipes to heighten the DBR22’s road presence.

Q by Aston Martin offer customers of all Aston Martin models the chance to create something distinctive through extensive paint colour choices and finishes, bespoke graphics through to tinted carbons and materials on both the interior and exterior.

Dynamically the DBR22 features a chassis honed to deliver precision aided by adaptive dampers, rigid chassis and a 3D printed rear sub frame. A specially calibrated eight-speed paddle-shift auto with so-called “torque shaping” gives the DBR22 a smoother drive feel.

“Technology is pivotal in the construction of DBR22, with extensive use of carbon-fibre throughout, and the use of 3D printing for the manufacture of a structural component,” said Aston martin chief technical officer, Roberto Fedeli.

“As such DBR22 showcases Aston Martin’s unique capabilities, with world-class design combined with an agile, intelligent approach to engineering and production.

“For a car that was designed to celebrate the ultimate bespoke customisation service, the engineering developments mean DBR22 truly has the dynamic theatre to match, ensuring the drive is just as addictive as its looks.”

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, added: “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.

“The 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.”