Aston Martin Unveils Exclusive DBR22 V12 Roadster at Monterey Car Week 2022
Celebrating Heritage with Modern Innovation
Aston Martin, the renowned British luxury car manufacturer, has unveiled its stunning new two-seater, the DBR22, featuring a bespoke exterior and a powerful V12 engine. The debut took place during the 2022 Monterey Car Week, marking a tribute to Aston Martin's illustrious history in crafting open-top sports cars.
A Unique Concept from Q by Aston Martin
Revealed in California, the DBR22 represents the latest concept in a long line of bespoke projects created by Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s personalization division, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Notable previous commissions include the Aston Martin Victor and limited-edition models like the Vulcan (with only 24 units produced globally) and the Vantage V600 (limited to just 14 units). These projects exemplify the ongoing success of Q by Aston Martin in delivering one-of-a-kind creations for a select clientele. The DBR22 concept lays the groundwork for new, highly exclusive models tailored to the tastes of Q by Aston Martin’s elite customers.
Blending Classic Design with Advanced Technology
The DBR22 masterfully combines classic automotive design with the latest materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. This blend results in a car that embodies meticulous craftsmanship, engineering precision, and exhilarating performance. As one of the rarest Aston Martins in the brand’s 109-year history, the DBR22 is a fitting celebration of Q by Aston Martin’s capabilities.
Inspired by Legendary Open-Top Sports Cars
The DBR22’s design features balanced proportions and a powerful stance, drawing inspiration from Aston Martin’s rich legacy of open-top, two-seater sports cars such as the DBR1 and DB3S. While honoring this heritage, the DBR22 introduces a fresh perspective on dynamic automotive design.
Racing Heritage: The DB3S and DBR1
The 1953 DB3S holds a prominent place in Aston Martin’s racing history, thanks to its curvaceous, aerodynamically efficient alloy body designed by Frank Feeley. This model helped solidify Aston Martin’s reputation as a fierce competitor at Le Mans, achieving numerous notable successes. Meanwhile, the DBR1—Aston Martin’s most famous open-top sports car—took Feeley’s design philosophy to new heights, becoming one of the marque’s most celebrated vehicles. It claimed victory at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours with drivers Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, and secured the World Sportscar Championship for Aston Martin that same year.
Distinctive Exterior and Aerodynamic Excellence
The DBR22’s exterior showcases a sleek, minimalist design, achieved by reducing the number of body panels to enhance its athletic character. This approach delivers a unique silhouette that seamlessly blends elegance and distinction with several standout styling elements.
The front grille is entirely new, featuring a unique carbon fiber design that replaces the traditional openings found on other Aston Martin models. This grille draws direct inspiration from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving the DBR22 a distinctive identity rooted in Aston Martin’s heritage while offering a bold, contemporary look.
The hood features a horseshoe-shaped vent to optimize airflow from the twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine. A long, flowing line runs from the hood to the cockpit, continuing over an elegant wind deflector and mirrors mounted on slender carbon fiber arms, designed for both style and aerodynamic efficiency.
Exclusive Wheels and Customization Options
The DBR22 is equipped with all-new 21-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, perfectly positioned within the wheel arches. These unique 14-spoke wheels, designed specifically for the DBR22, feature a motorsport-inspired central locking platform and can be customized in a wide range of colors.
The car’s paintwork can be fully personalized, utilizing the “Paint to Sample” program developed exclusively by the Q by Aston Martin team. This highlights the extensive customization possibilities available to clients through the brand’s bespoke division.
Luxurious Cabin: Classic Meets Contemporary
The interior of the DBR22 seamlessly merges classic style with modern design philosophies. Unique components and extensive use of leather and carbon fiber accentuate the cabin's luxurious atmosphere. The newly designed dashboard and infotainment displays bring a refined level of sophistication to the interior. Despite its race-inspired exterior, the cabin is focused on luxury, with aromatic leather covering the advanced dashboard, high-performance carbon fiber seats, and upper door panels, resulting in an inviting and premium environment.
Innovative Rear Design and Aerodynamics
Twin aerodynamic humps rise behind the seats, channeling airflow over the driver and passenger. The rear features a full-width illuminated light bar, designed exclusively for the DBR22, and a perforated panel below that allows hot air to escape. These elements, combined with the rear diffuser and large-diameter dual exhaust outlets, enhance the car’s presence and deliver an immersive driving experience.
Boundless Personalization with Q by Aston Martin
Q by Aston Martin offers clients the ability to create truly unique vehicles, with a vast palette of paint finishes, custom graphics, and the option to personalize both the exterior and interior carbon fiber and composite materials. Every vehicle commissioned through the Q division is crafted to reflect the individual tastes of its owner.
Exceptional Performance: V12 Power and Precision
The DBR22 delivers remarkable performance, powered by a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 715 hp and 753 Nm of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). The driving experience is further enriched by the thrilling sound of the V12 engine.
The DBR22’s dynamic capabilities are designed to forge a close connection between car and driver. Its chassis delivers precise handling while maintaining agility and flexibility. The unique calibration of the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission ensures responsive, tailored torque delivery. The steering column enhances feedback, giving drivers a more detailed sense of control.
Special attention has been paid to the chassis, with front and rear panels improving stability during cornering and custom-tuned adaptive dampers enhancing steering precision and control, whether on the road or the track.
Advanced Materials: 3D Printing and Carbon Fiber
The DBR22 features a secondary subframe produced with 3D printing technology—a first for Aston Martin. This component consists of multiple 3D-printed aluminum parts, assembled to create a strong yet lightweight subframe. This innovative approach reduces weight while preserving strength and allows for the production of bespoke components for limited-edition models.
Expert Insights: Engineering and Design Excellence
Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s Chief Technical Officer, commented, “Advanced technologies play a fundamental role in building the DBR22, from carbon fiber construction to 3D printing structural components. This car demonstrates Aston Martin’s exceptional capabilities, from world-class design to flexible manufacturing and engineering. The DBR22 is the perfect platform to showcase Q by Aston Martin’s dynamic advantages and to deliver performance that matches its striking appearance.”
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, added, “Immersive driving experiences are at the core of our designs. By merging innovative methodologies with advanced materials and technology, we’ve reimagined our racing lineage and introduced groundbreaking models like the DBR22—a true Aston Martin sports car that sets new benchmarks in speed, agility, and power. We believe it will inspire many extraordinary models in the future.”
Monterey Debut at Pebble Beach
The DBR22 concept will be showcased at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, held from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21.
