Aston Martin Unveils the Exclusive DBR22 V12 Roadster at Monterey Car Week 2022
Celebrating Heritage with a Modern Icon
Aston Martin, the renowned British luxury car manufacturer, has unveiled its breathtaking new two-seater, the DBR22, powered by a V12 engine and featuring a bespoke exterior design. The official launch took place at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, marking a tribute to Aston Martin’s illustrious history in crafting open-top sports cars.
The Latest Creation from Q by Aston Martin
Revealed in California, the DBR22 represents the latest concept in a long line of development projects from Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s exclusive customization division, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Q by Aston Martin has previously delivered unique masterpieces such as the Aston Martin Victor, the ultra-limited Vulcan (only 24 units worldwide), and the Vantage V600 (just 14 units produced), all exemplifying the success of these bespoke collaborations. The DBR22 concept paves the way for a new generation of exclusive models tailored for Aston Martin’s most distinguished clientele.
Classic Design Meets Advanced Engineering
The DBR22 fuses classic sports car artistry with cutting-edge materials and manufacturing technologies, achieving a perfect blend of meticulous design, high-precision engineering, impressive performance, and a genuine passion for automotive excellence. As one of the rarest Aston Martins in the brand’s 109-year history, its launch is a testament to the expansive capabilities of Q by Aston Martin.
Inspired by Legendary Roadsters
The DBR22 features a timeless, muscular design inspired by Aston Martin’s legendary open-top, two-seater sports cars—most notably the DBR1 and DB3S. While honoring this rich heritage, the DBR22 introduces a fresh dynamic perspective to the classic concept.
Racing Pedigree: DB3S and DBR1
The 1953 DB3S holds a prominent place in Aston Martin’s racing history, thanks to its curvaceous, aerodynamically efficient body crafted by Frank Feeley. Its success on the track, especially at Le Mans, established Aston Martin as a formidable competitor. The DBR1, the brand’s most celebrated open-top sports car, elevated this design language, claiming numerous prestigious victories—including the 1959 Le Mans race with drivers Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori—and secured the World Sports Car Championship that same year.
Streamlined Bodywork and Distinctive Styling
Aston Martin’s designers have crafted an all-new body for the DBR22, reducing the number of body panels to create a bold, athletic stance. The result is a strikingly streamlined and elegant design, enhanced by unique visual elements.
Signature Features and Modern Touches
- Front Grille: The DBR22 boasts a completely new front grille, featuring a unique carbon fiber design in place of traditional intake openings. This element, inspired by the DBR1 and DB3S, gives the DBR22 its own distinctive identity rooted in Aston Martin’s heritage while offering a bold modern look.
- Hood Design: The hood incorporates a horseshoe-shaped air vent to optimize airflow from the powerful 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. A sleek central line runs from the hood to the cockpit, continuing over the wind deflector and the elegantly mounted side mirrors—crafted from carbon fiber for reduced wind resistance.
- Wheels: Brand-new 21-inch lightweight aluminum wheels with a bespoke 14-spoke layout and motorsport-inspired center-locking hubs are exclusive to the DBR22 and can be customized in a wide range of colors.
- Exterior Color Customization: The DBR22 offers fully customizable paintwork, developed specifically for this model under the "paint to sample" program by Q by Aston Martin, reaffirming the division’s extensive design capabilities.
Luxurious and Contemporary Cabin
Inside, the DBR22 blends classic motifs with modern approaches, featuring extensive use of leather and carbon fiber throughout. The new dashboard design and infotainment displays add sophistication to the interior ambiance. Although inspired by racing aesthetics, the DBR22’s cabin focuses on luxury, with aromatic leather covering the advanced console, high-performance carbon fiber seats, and upper door panels, creating a visually stunning interior.
Rear Design and Aerodynamic Excellence
A double-hump deck behind the seats channels airflow behind the driver and passenger. The rear of the DBR22 features custom horizontal light graphics, illuminated by a slim, full-width light bar, and a perforated panel below to release hot air from the rear section. These elements, together with the rear diffuser and large dual exhaust pipes, enhance the DBR22’s commanding road presence and provide a thrilling driving experience.
Bespoke Customization for Discerning Clients
Q by Aston Martin offers clients the ability to create entirely unique designs for any model, with a vast palette of colors, finishes, and personalized graphics. From color gradients to bespoke carbon and composite finishes—both inside and out—every Q by Aston Martin car can be tailored to meet the most exclusive customer requests.
Powerful Performance to Match Its Looks
The DBR22’s remarkable appearance is matched by its extraordinary performance, thanks to a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine delivering 715 hp and 753 Nm of torque. This power propels the car from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). Driving the DBR22 is an immersive experience, with the V12 engine’s exhilarating soundtrack and intense acceleration.
Precision Dynamics and Advanced Engineering
The DBR22’s dynamic attributes are engineered for a deep connection with the driver, featuring a chassis that provides both agility and precision. Unique engine and eight-speed automatic transmission calibration deliver a tailored torque response, offering unmatched driving character. The steering column enhances accuracy and feedback, giving drivers a true sense of control.
Special attention has been given to the chassis, with front and rear panels increasing stability during cornering. Adaptive dampers are custom-tuned for the DBR22, ensuring pinpoint handling and stability on both road and track.
Innovative 3D-Printed Components
For the first time in an Aston Martin, the DBR22 is equipped with a secondary subframe produced using 3D printing technology. Made from multiple aluminum components, this advanced structure reduces weight without compromising strength and allows for bespoke parts for limited-production models.
Technical Leaders Weigh In
Roberto Fedeli, Chief Technical Officer at Aston Martin, commented: “Advanced technologies play a central role in constructing the DBR22, from extensive use of carbon fiber to 3D-printed structural elements. The new model demonstrates Aston Martin’s exceptional capabilities—from world-class design and flexible manufacturing processes to engineering and production. As a bespoke tribute to our customization division, the DBR22 is the ideal platform to showcase its dynamic features and stunning performance.”
Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer, added: “Immersive driving experiences are at the heart of our design philosophy. By combining advanced materials and technologies, we’ve reimagined our racing lineage with the DBR22—a true Aston Martin sports car embodying speed, agility, and power. We believe it lays the groundwork for many remarkable future models.”
Public Debut at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The DBR22 concept will be showcased at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance between Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21.
