Engine: 5.2 litre twin-turbo V12
Transmission: 8 speed automatic
Power: 522 kW
Torque: 555 lb-ft
Top Speed: 299 km/h
0-100km/h: 3.5 seconds
Price: $1.5 million
First came the open Ferrari Monza, then the two seater McLaren Elva. Now Aston Martin joins the rare and roofless club with their V12 Speedster, which they proudly label a ‘puristic limited edition model’.
While the McLaren gets an optional windshield, the Aston goes without, opting for a truly open air experience – although goggles come highly recommended.
Specially crafted by its modification monster Q division, its streamlined exterior goes heavy on influence from fighter jets, but also calls on Aston’s vast and vintage racing history. There’s clear influence from the 1953 DB3S, the 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1, and even the 2013 CC100 Speedster Concept.
Build wise, the aluminium architecture and carbon fibre chassis have elements from the Superleggera and Vantage models; while the rear suspension with adaptive damping ensure you have a setting for your every speed need – including the track if you’re ballsy.
On the track, the eight-speed ZF auto hooks you up to the front-mid-mounted V12, allowing relentless power to be sent to the rear wheels towards a promised 0-100 time of 3.5 seconds.
While all the mechanicals impress, from the limited-slip diff to the stainless steel exhaust system, it’s the two-seater setup that secures the most ticket sales. That ‘spine’ that separates the driver and passenger (a nod to the 60’s batmobile) is hard to resist, and the finish in Skyfall Silver (a nod to Bond) is sexy as all get up.
The interior cabin space keeps the sexy going, with satin carbon fibre and 3D-printed rubber used throughout. All these are in addition to more traditional Aston Martin Lagonda touches, like the saddle leather and exclusive aluminum finishes.
Just 88 will be made, but none will make their way to our shores; although you can always use your millions to ship one over. Surely the experience of being Bond and Speed Racer is worth it.
For the full article grab the March 2021 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
