- Custom 2-seater based on Vantage and DBS
- No roof or windshield
- 5.2L twin-turbo V12, 700 hp, 555 lb-ft of torque
- 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, 186-mph top speed
- Limited to 88 units
- Priced from $950,000
The Aston Martin V12 Speedster has a solid claim as the British marque’s most extreme road car. The custom-bodied 2-seater is based on the bonded-aluminum architecture of Aston Martin Vantage and the DBS Superleggera, but the Aston Martin V12 Speedster is a limited-edition model for a certain type of well-heeled enthusiast who prizes horsepower and exclusivity but cares little about weather protection.
Aston Martin Radical and roofless
Created by the brand’s “Q” in-house customization division, the V12 Speedster features unique bodywork rendered in carbon fiber. The open 2-seater idea references the CC100 Speedster concept of 2013, but the design here is mostly all new. Vantage design cues adorn the front and the rear with visual interest turned up to 11. A new styling features is a nostril in the hood that makes room for the taller V12. There’s also a rear diffuser that incorporates a center-exiting exhaust.
The wildest design elements, obviously, are at the center of the car. There’s no roof or windshield. Aston says that removing the windshield “add[s] to the visceral engagement.” The driver and passenger each sit within their own separate oval-shaped cutout in the bodywork. A fairing behind each bucket seat is made of see-through material. The cover shows off the helmet stored within. In place of a glovebox, there’s a removable leather bag. The passenger compartment materials include carbon fiber, leather, and aluminum.
12 cylinders, 700 prancing horses
In contrast to the Vantage, which uses a twin-turbo V8 good for 503 horsepower, the V12 Speedster bolts a twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 to 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The output here is 700 horses (down slightly from the 715 in the DBS Superleggera) and 555 lb-ft of torque. In this lightweight body, that’s enough for a zero-to-62-mph time of 3.5 seconds. The electronically limited top speed is 186 mph. Carbon ceramic brake rotors stop the V12 Speedster. Meanwhile, the suspension features adaptive damping with Sport, Sport+, and Track modes. The 21-inch center-lock wheels are unique to this model.
F/A-18 inspiration
The pictured car shows what Aston characterizes as F/A-18 specification, inspired by the McDonnell Douglas jet fighter of the same name. The exterior is executed in Skyfall Silver and the interior is black. That combo is available, but buyers are invited to personalize the V12 Speedster using the full services of the Q division.
Also see: 8 new luxury SUVs for under $50,000
With the V12 Speedster, less is more—a lot more, in terms of price. The Aston Martin V12 Speedster opens at $950,000, far above the recently introduced Vantage Roadster at $161k, and that model comes complete with a windshield and a power top. Those hard-core souls who opt instead for Aston’s truly wind-in-the-face offering can expect to take delivery in the first quarter of 2021.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.
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