Aston Martin V12 Speedster is a Php 50M 'jet' on wheels
Topless Aston Martin V12 Speedster is jet fighter inspired and gorgeous
Aston Martin goes over the top with its latest limited-run sports car as it goes roofless and windscreen-less with the official world debut of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster.
Revealed at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, UK, the V12 Speedster draws inspiration from the company’s racing history, as well as from aeronautics. A collaboration between Q and Aston Martin Design, the V12 Speedster is a fusion of industrial design and engineering which features a fighter jet-inspired bespoke lightweight open-cockpit body and twin-turbo powertrain.
Starting with the body itself, Aston Martin claims it is made almost entirely out of carbon fiber and takes inspiration from various models over the years. Miles Nurnberger, Director of Design at Aston Martin Lagonda, said that the vehicle takes styling cues from such vehicles as the: 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1, CC100 Speedster Concept, as well as from the 1953 DB3S.
It comes in the conceptual F/A-18 livery, a direct nod to the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet jet fighter.
As for the chassis, it uses the latest in bonded aluminum technology which further saves on weight, while also making a rigid structure. Finally, 21-inch five-spoke center-lock forged alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires give the V12 Speedster additional flair.
Like the exterior, the interior of the V12 Speedster is a mix of both traditional and modern design. Neat touches of carbon fiber satin, hand-crafted saddle leather, chrome fixtures, and splashes of aluminum all make for a bold and eye-catching cabin. Providing a bit of contrast are the red straps seen throughout the interior. The occupants are also treated to a removable leather bag that replaces the traditional glove box.
Powering this open-top two-seater is a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12. It cranks out an impressive 700 PS along with 753 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission complete with a limited-slip differential. With it, Aston Martin claims the V12 Speedster is capable of catapulting itself from 0 - 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, as well as reach a top speed of 300 km/h.
But what good is a V12 if it doesn’t come with a wicked exhaust system? Luckily, Aston Martin had that exactly in mind. A bespoke stainless steel exhaust system is fitted as standard on the V12 Speedster which further highlights the vehicle’s sporting pedigree. Meanwhile, helping the open-top V12 shave off speed is done by a set of carbon ceramic brakes.
“Nothing demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to providing unique, special models to its customers more than the V12 Speedster. I’m excited not just about what they offer drivers, but of what it represents. The V12 Speedster not just showcases our incredible engineering capability and ambition, but also celebrating Aston Martin’s rich heritage,” said Dr. Andy Palmer, CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda.
Orders for the V12 Speedster are now open with a starting price of GBP 765,000 (about PhP 50 million). With only 88 examples to be built, this will surely be one of Aston Martin’s most sought after vehicles.
