TEASED! Aston Martin Set To Challenge Ferrari And McLaren With A V12-powered, Limited Speedster

The past 12 months has been an interesting one for the world of high-end, limited sports cars. That's because companies like Ferrari and McLaren have rolled out super limited models that come missing a key item for an automobile.

That would be a roof.

You see there's good reason for this. It's for special speedster models. Cars equipped with monster engines, no roof and are meant for grand touring. Essentially, they're a throwback to the early days of racing.

And Aston Martin's joining the fray.

Details are pretty mum at this point but it seems clear that its V12 speedster will use the DBS Superleggera's powerplant, which is good for about 700 horsepower. Only 88 units are to be built and estimates suggest a cost of about $1MM USD.

...We have no idea what it looks like – the silhouette with the little helmeted driver you see above is all we have right now – but let’s be in no doubt that it’ll probably look quite tasty. It’s being built in honour of Aston’s 1959 Le Mans win in that fabulous DBR1, and the CC100 Speedster concept car built for the company’s centenary.

It is apparently a “visceral celebration” of Aston’s past. To wit, it’ll get a 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 hoofed under the bonnet, producing no less than 700bhp and 516lb ft of torque, matched up to an eight speed ZF auto gearbox mounted “towards the rear”...

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skytop - 1/9/2020 2:35:24 AM

+1 Boost

Other car companies are killing of the big V-12 engines but Aston Martin is gearing up to use more of them. Is Aston Martin existing in a time dilatation paradox?

Agent00R - 1/9/2020 10:18:07 PM

0 Boost

They're coming to an end, even for Aston Martin.

Everyone knows this.

We're talking about an 88-unit, limited build.

PUGPROUD - 1/9/2020 5:11:25 AM

+2 Boost

Overextension while under capitalized not a good business plan. I forgot who use to say it in adds but it makes great sense "We do one thing but we do it right!" Cut the line back to two sports cars and one SUV and use your limited resources to make them the very best you can rather than spread yourself out too thin amongst multiple models, versions, engines, racing and EVs. Taking on Ferrari is ridiculous. Be Aston Martin. Play to your strengths not try to copy theirs.

MDarringer - 1/9/2020 8:04:48 AM

0 Boost

Aston knows that if anything goes wrong, Mercedes will complete the acquisition.

supermoto - 1/9/2020 10:27:37 AM

+3 Boost

I wish Mercedes would buy Aston, but I think a private equity buyer is more likely, unfortunately.

And betting the company on the DBX is crazy.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/9/2020 2:37:35 PM

0 Boost

Aston, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani are not mainstream automakers and thus don't follow the same trends. The V12 will continue on for quite some time even if it is aided by a battery pack and electric motor to skirt rules that one day may ban ICE engines in city centres.

Agent00R - 1/9/2020 10:18:55 PM

0 Boost

Good point!