Although open-cockpit racing cars could make a comeback, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, unless you’re an elite car collector or a racing driver. That said, looking at the new Aston Martin DBR22 Roadster, it’s easy to see why it might appeal to more people as its design is simply spectacular.
Unveiling The New Aston Martin DBR22 Roadster
Car enthusiasts from around the world are waiting with bated breath for the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It will be a great opportunity to see the unveiling of the all-new Aston Martin DBR22. This model was produced in celebration of Aston Martin’s customisation arm Q and Aston Martin race cars of the past. It has a sports coach-built carbon bodywork sitting over a 5.2-litre V12 engine completed with a 3D-printed rear subframe.
While a car with a small windscreen or none at all may not be that appealing, it’s a different story for a roadster. It’s not the first the carmaker has produced a topless special edition with a tiny windscreen or none at all. The fact is, two years ago, they built the split-cockpit V12 Speedster for the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, which drew inspiration from the 2013 one-off CC100 Speedster.
What all of the projects have in common, including the Aston Martin DBR22 and the Le Mans-winning DBR1, is the legendary open-cockpit. Unfortunately, Aston Martin’s design team did not resurrect the incomparably bulbous fenders of the DB race cars and other ’50s-era opponents, which have been smoothed into a modern yet muscular appearance with the long bonnet.
Aston Martin DBR22 Design Inspiration
If you compare the Aston Martin DBR22 to a production Aston Martin DBS, for example, there is subtle but well-defined extra bulging around the front fenders which flows back from the more rounded headlights. The new grille has a unique carbon fibre structure and slots nicely between the oval headlights.
Upon closer inspection, you can see the grille design was inspired directly by the DBR1 and DB3S. The bonnet splits into two levels due to the large horseshoe-shaped vent that releases heat from the incredibly hardworking twin-turbo V12 engine. The Astin Martin DBR22 is truly unique, especially in the cockpit area as it features one of the smallest wind deflectors that makes it stand out even more.
This race car features a modernised interior with hints of classic design. It is equipped with leather seats, carbon fibre panels, and a digital infotainment system. The twin nacelles behind the headrests help smooth out the airflow for the driver and passenger. All that’s missing is a Bond villain chasing in a helicopter!
Specifications Of The Aston Martin DBR22
The Aston Martin DBR22 has an eight-speed paddle-shift gearbox driving up to 705 hp (519 kW) and 753 Nm of torque from the 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12. It can sprint from 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds while the top speed is 198 mph (319 km/h).
Engineers carefully tuned the chassis of the Aston Martin DBR22 with the rear subframe made of multiple 3D-printed aluminium components which reduce the weight without sacrificing stiffness. The increased front and rear torsional rigidity combined with the specially calibrated adaptive dampers results in a tighter, more refined ride.
According to Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer: “We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavouring to express a future in the here today. Combining this approach with advanced process, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernised our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree.”
What Is The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a must-attend event for any car enthusiast. This automotive charitable event is held annually on the scenic Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. Many consider this event one of the most prestigious in the world featuring some amazing cars from all over and the Aston Martin DB22 will be a great addition. Last year’s highlights include the following class winners:
- 1910 Winton 17 Seven Passenger Touring
- 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Schapiro-Schebera Skiff
- 1933 Auburn 12-161A Speedster
- 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Corsica Drophead Coupé
- 1953 Ferrari 375 America Pinin Farina Coupe
- 1963 Iso Grifo A3/L Prototype Bertone Coupe
- 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Scaglietti Berlinetta
- 1969 Porsche 917K Coupe
- 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400S Series III
Will There Be A Production Model DBR22?
At this year’s event, the Astin Martin DBR22 will feature prominently from Friday to Sunday. While this is a design concept, the carmaker did say that it will build an ultra-exclusive production model for Q by Aston Martin customers. For more information on the event, visit the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance website.
Reichman continued by stating that the Aston Martin DBR22 is a hot-blooded and purebred sports car. “It’s a sports car full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons.”
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