Aston Martin DBR22 concept celebrates 'Q' division's 10th
Open cockpit two-seater marks 10 years of Aston's ultra-exclusive Q - and it'll inspire a customer car...
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Aston Martin has unveiled the gorgeous DBR22 you see here to celebrate the big 1-0 (also known as the tenth birthday) of its Q division. The bespoke arm of Aston creates highly exclusive models for just 0.1% of the brand's customers, with recent builds including the very pretty Vantage V600 and the unashamedly track-focused Vulcan (both are spectacular). What better way to mark the occasion than adding to this exotic pile with something new?
Although officially a concept car at this stage (think of it like a design prototype), the DBR22 is actually set to make production, albeit in tiny numbers for Q customers. Like the concept, the customer cars will take the form of a traditional racer, with classic contours on an open cockpit body. Notice the vintage car in the pics? That highlights that the DBR22 is a flashback to the DBR1 and DB3S – both of which hold key roles in Aston's amazing racing history.
Expect it to be appropriately lovely to drive, too. The V12 twin-turbocharged engine gives the DBR22 enough muscle to reach a top speed of 198mph. It will do 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and is set to be agile and race car-like in its responses, and fabulously tactile with all that noise and drama. The eight-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox is a far cry from the weighty manual gearboxes of old DBR models, but this is a luxury car as well...
Scintillating engine aside, some of our favourite features include the carbon fibre grille, horseshoe vent in the bonnet and a pair of buttresses behind the headrests. The cockpit follows the same theme with leather and exposed carbon fibre living in harmony, alongside a new infotainment system mounted into a clutter-free dash. For added luxe, you can pick ‘Paint to Sample’ and get an entirely bespoke colour, just in case you’re worried someone else in the 0.1% will have the same.
So what for the rest of us who aren't in the Q club? If it's got to be an Aston, there's a lovely Aston Martin DB11 in our digital showroom right now, and it’s not a concept, it’s there in the metal. For those inspired to get a drop-top, cinch's selection isn't short of supply. See our best convertibles video here for more inspiration. Oh, and happy birthday Q!