Aston Martin Unveils the DBR22: An Exclusive V12 Roadster at Monterey Car Week
Celebrating a Rich Heritage in Open-Top Sports Cars
Aston Martin, the renowned British luxury carmaker, has revealed its breathtaking new DBR22 two-seater V12 roadster during the 2022 Monterey Car Week. This remarkable model pays tribute to Aston Martin’s illustrious history of producing open-top sports cars, combining bespoke exterior design with cutting-edge engineering.
Q by Aston Martin: Ten Years of Bespoke Excellence
The DBR22, unveiled in California, is the latest concept from Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s exclusive customization division celebrating a decade of building unique vehicles for elite clients worldwide. Notable projects from this division include the Aston Martin Victor, the ultra-limited Vulcan (only 24 units), and the Vantage V600 (limited to 14 units). These achievements highlight the success of Q by Aston Martin in crafting exceptional and rare vehicles. The DBR22 concept also sets the foundation for future bespoke creations for a select group of discerning customers.
Classic Design Meets Modern Engineering
The DBR22 masterfully blends classic automotive design with advanced materials and state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. The result is a car that embodies refined craftsmanship, remarkable engineering precision, and powerful performance—making it one of the rarest Aston Martins in the brand’s 109-year history.
A Design Inspired by Legendary Roadsters
The DBR22’s harmonious proportions and striking presence take inspiration from Aston Martin’s iconic lineage of open-top two-seaters, such as the DBR1 and DB3S. However, the DBR22 introduces a fresh perspective on dynamic design, merging heritage with modern innovation.
Honoring Racing Legends: DB3S and DBR1
The DB3S, launched in 1953, holds a significant place in Aston Martin’s racing history. Designed by Frank Feeley, its curvaceous, aerodynamically efficient body made it a formidable contender at Le Mans. The DBR1, perhaps Aston Martin’s most famous open-top sports car, elevated Feeley’s design ethos, achieving legendary status with victories such as the 1959 Le Mans race, led by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori. That same year, Aston Martin clinched the World Sportscar Championship.
Sleek, Streamlined Bodywork
Aston Martin’s designers have crafted a completely new body for the DBR22, minimizing the number of body panels to enhance its muscular, athletic stance. The result is a sleek, flowing exterior that balances elegance and distinctiveness with unique design elements.
Distinctive Front Grille and Carbon Fiber Details
One of the DBR22’s standout features is its entirely new front grille, which uses a unique carbon fiber design in place of the traditional openings found on other Aston Martins. This grille draws direct inspiration from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving the DBR22 a modern yet heritage-inspired identity.
Innovative Hood Design and Aerodynamics
The hood features a horseshoe-shaped air vent to optimize airflow from the 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. A long, sculpted line runs from the hood to the driver’s cockpit, continuing over the wind deflector and elegant carbon fiber mirrors, which are mounted on slender arms to reduce wind resistance.
Exclusive 21-Inch Alloy Wheels
The DBR22 is equipped with all-new 21-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, perfectly nestled within the wheel arches. These wheels boast a unique 14-spoke design exclusive to the DBR22, featuring a motorsport-inspired center-lock platform and can be customized in a wide array of colors.
Bespoke Paint and Personalization Options
The DBR22 offers full paint customization, developed exclusively for this model through the "Paint to Sample" program from Q by Aston Martin. This further underscores the extensive personalization possibilities available to customers.
Luxurious Cabin: Classic Meets Contemporary
The interior of the DBR22 seamlessly fuses classic styling with modern approaches. Unique components abound, with generous use of leather and carbon fiber materials. The newly designed control panel and infotainment displays add a touch of sophistication to the cabin. Although inspired by Aston Martin’s racing heritage, the interior exudes luxury, featuring aromatic leather on the advanced dashboard, high-performance carbon fiber seats, and upper door trims—creating a visually stunning and inviting space.
Aerodynamic Rear and Striking Lighting
Behind the seats, twin aerodynamic humps facilitate smooth airflow. The rear design features a distinctive horizontal light strip crafted specifically for the DBR22, with a perforated panel below to vent hot air. These artistic details integrate with the rear diffuser and prominent dual exhaust pipes, enhancing the DBR22’s powerful road presence and delivering a thrilling driving experience.
Unrivaled Customization by Q by Aston Martin
Q by Aston Martin offers clients the ability to create fully bespoke vehicles with a wide spectrum of color options, finishes, personalized graphics, and tailored carbon fiber or composite materials for both exterior and interior elements. Every Q by Aston Martin car can be customized to meet the most exclusive tastes.
Powerful Performance: V12 Engine and Dynamic Handling
The DBR22 is powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 715 hp and 753 Nm of torque. This powertrain accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h), providing an exhilarating and immersive driving experience that harmonizes with the engine’s distinctive V12 sound.
Precision Engineering for Driver Engagement
The DBR22’s dynamic features are engineered to foster a deep connection between car and driver. Its chassis is designed for precise handling, agility, and flexibility. Unique tuning of the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission delivers responsive torque and an unmistakable driving character. The steering column enhances feedback, giving drivers greater insight and control.
Advanced Chassis and 3D Printing Technology
Special attention has been given to the DBR22’s structure, with front and rear panels increasing cornering stability. Adaptive dampers, specially tuned for the model, improve steering accuracy and chassis control, ensuring enjoyment on both road and track. The DBR22 also features a secondary subframe produced using 3D printing technology—a first for Aston Martin. Multiple aluminum parts are 3D-printed and assembled to create a strong yet lightweight component, allowing for further customization in limited-edition vehicles.
Expert Insights from Aston Martin
Roberto Fedeli, Chief Technical Officer at Aston Martin, stated, “Advanced technologies play a fundamental role in the DBR22, from carbon fiber components to 3D-printed structural elements. The new car demonstrates Aston Martin’s capabilities in design, flexible engineering, and production. As a model created to celebrate Q by Aston Martin’s achievements, the DBR22 is the perfect platform to showcase its dynamic prowess and matching performance.”
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, added, “Immersive driving experiences are at the core of our designs, opening new frontiers in aesthetics and technology. By merging advanced methods and materials, we have reimagined our racing lineage, producing authentic sports cars like the DBR22 that set standards in speed, agility, and power. We believe it will inspire many future icons.”
Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The Aston Martin DBR22 concept will be showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance between Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21.
