Aston Martin DBR22: Unveiling a Bespoke V12 Supercar at Monterey Car Week 2022

By: Anas Assaf

August 16,2022

5 min read

Tags:

Aston Martin Unveils the Exclusive DBR22 at Monterey Car Week 2022

Celebrating Heritage with a Modern Twist

Aston Martin, the renowned British luxury carmaker, has revealed its stunning new two-seater, the DBR22, powered by a V12 engine and featuring a bespoke exterior design. The debut took place during the 2022 Monterey Car Week, honoring Aston Martin’s illustrious history of producing open-top sports cars.

A New Benchmark in Bespoke Automotive Design

The DBR22, introduced in California, represents the latest concept in a long line of bespoke projects from Q by Aston Martin, the brand’s personalization division celebrating a decade of creating exclusive vehicles for elite clients worldwide. Previous achievements include the Aston Martin Victor, the ultra-rare Vulcan (limited to 24 units globally), and the Vantage V600 (with just 14 examples produced). The DBR22 concept serves as a foundation for creating future limited-run models tailored to the tastes of Q by Aston Martin’s discerning clientele.

Classic Craftsmanship Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

The DBR22 seamlessly fuses classic automotive design with the latest materials and manufacturing technologies, achieving a perfect blend of refined styling, engineering precision, and powerful performance. As one of the rarest Aston Martins in the brand’s 109-year history, the DBR22 marks an exceptional celebration of Q by Aston Martin’s capabilities.

Design Inspired by Racing Legends

The DBR22 boasts a timeless design, with harmonious proportions and a bold presence. Its concept draws inspiration from Aston Martin’s rich heritage of open-top, two-seater sports cars like the DBR1 and DB3S, reimagined with a fresh take on dynamic features.

The DB3S, launched in 1953, holds a significant place in Aston Martin’s racing legacy. Designed by Frank Feeley, its curvaceous, aerodynamically efficient body helped solidify the brand’s reputation in Le Mans racing. The iconic DBR1 elevated Feeley’s design vision, becoming one of Aston Martin’s most celebrated cars—winning the 1959 Le Mans under the command of Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori, and securing the World Sports Car Championship the same year.

Streamlined Body and Unique Aesthetic Features

The DBR22’s design showcases Aston Martin’s expertise in creating a completely new body form, reducing the number of body panels for a stronger, more athletic presence. The result is a sleek, minimalist silhouette that exudes elegance and distinction while incorporating unique aesthetic elements.

A key highlight is the all-new front grille, featuring a distinctive carbon fiber insert that replaces traditional mesh, directly inspired by the DBR1 and DB3S. This not only reinforces the car’s heritage but also introduces a modern, eye-catching identity.

The hood features a horseshoe-shaped vent to optimize airflow from the powerful 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. A long, streamlined crease runs from the hood toward the cockpit, flowing over the wind deflector and elegantly crafted mirrors—mounted on slender carbon fiber arms to minimize wind resistance.

The car rides on all-new 21-inch forged aluminum wheels, perfectly positioned within the arches. These lightweight wheels, designed exclusively for the DBR22, feature a unique 14-spoke pattern and a motorsport-inspired center-lock hub, customizable in a wide array of colors.

The DBR22’s paintwork can be fully personalized through Q by Aston Martin, with the “paint to sample” program enabling owners to select truly bespoke finishes—demonstrating the division’s extensive customization capabilities.

Luxurious and Contemporary Interior

Inside, the DBR22 blends classic motifs with modern touches, highlighted by unique components and extensive use of leather and carbon fiber. The newly designed dashboard and infotainment displays add a sophisticated flair to the cabin. Despite its racing-inspired exterior, the DBR22’s interior is crafted for luxury—featuring aromatic leather covering the advanced control panel, high-performance carbon fiber seats, and upper door sections, all contributing to a strikingly refined atmosphere.

Striking Rear Design and Aerodynamics

Behind the seats, dual fairings enhance airflow over the driver and passenger. The rear design features horizontal LED light graphics in a slim, full-width strip unique to this model, with a vented panel beneath to release hot air from the rear. These elements, combined with a sculpted diffuser and large-diameter dual exhaust pipes, create a powerful visual impact and deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Unmatched Personalization by Q by Aston Martin

Q by Aston Martin allows clients to create entirely bespoke designs for any model, offering a vast palette of colors and finishes. From custom gradients and graphics to personalized carbon fiber and composite materials for both exterior and interior, every car can be tailored to the owner’s exact preferences.

Formidable Performance and Advanced Engineering

The DBR22’s breathtaking appearance is matched by its formidable performance. Its 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12 generates 715 hp and 753 Nm of torque, launching the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 198 mph (319 km/h). The immersive driving experience is further enhanced by the engine’s resonant V12 soundtrack.

The car’s chassis is engineered for precise handling and agility, with a unique calibration of both engine and 8-speed automatic transmission for optimal torque delivery and responsiveness. The steering column provides accurate feedback, giving the driver exceptional control.

Special attention has been paid to the DBR22’s structure, with front and rear panels enhancing cornering stability. Adaptive dampers are tuned for precise steering and body control, ensuring a rewarding drive on both road and track.

Notably, the DBR22 introduces a secondary subframe produced using 3D printing technology—a first for Aston Martin. This component is made from multiple aluminum parts, 3D printed and assembled for optimal strength and reduced weight, enabling bespoke components for future limited-run models.

Leadership Insights on the DBR22

Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin’s Chief Technical Officer, stated: “Advanced technologies play a vital role in the DBR22, from carbon fiber construction to 3D-printed structural components. This car demonstrates Aston Martin’s immense capabilities, from world-class design and flexible manufacturing to engineering and production. As a special project celebrating the achievements of Q by Aston Martin, the DBR22 perfectly showcases its dynamic prowess and stunning aesthetics.”

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer, added: “Immersive driving experiences underpin our design philosophy, opening new horizons in aesthetics and innovation. By blending advanced techniques and materials, we’ve revitalized our racing lineage and pioneered new models. The DBR22 stands as a purebred Aston Martin sports car—exemplifying speed, agility, and power, and laying the foundation for many more extraordinary models to come.”