With Monterey Car Week kicking off this week in California, Aston Martin is unveiling a spectacular two-seater open cockpit concept that pays tribute to iconic race cars from the British manufacturer’s past.
Built by the automaker’s in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the DBR22 concept revisits the art of coach building and specifically name-checks the DBR1 and DB3S — both trophy-winning, open-cockpit race cars.
The DB3S was launched in 1953 and its curves and aerodynamic efficiency instantly set it apart from its peers, while 1959’s DBR1 is even more well known due to its Le Mans win with Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvador behind the wheel.
The DBR22 is designed with classic proportions and muscular curves, and the front grille with carbon fibre detail is a direct reference to the two aforementioned race cars. The car has a completely new body built from a minimal number of body panels for a more sculpted, muscular presence. The bonnet, with its horseshoe vent is also stunning, while the low-line wind deflector, low-key mirrors, wheel arches, and 21-inch alloy wheels all contribute to the distinctive silhouette. It is worth noting that the rear subframe was bonded together from 3D printed aluminium parts — a method never seen before on any Aston Martin.
The concept is powered by a 5.2-litre V12 twin-turbo engine that produces 705 hp and 753, which gives a 0-100 sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 319 km/h. The cockpit again is a combination of classic and contemporary, finished with plenty of leather and exposed carbon fibre parts.
The stunning DBR22 isn’t just a digital render — the car will be making its debut public appearance on the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It’s also understood that 10 examples will be available for custom order via Q by Aston Martin, with the base price starting at £1.5 million.
