Aston Martin V12 Speedster: First Look

March 13, 2020

By Perry Stern, AutoNXT

Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Aston Martin offers some of the most exclusive, high-performance sports cars in the world, but the bar can always be raised. The company has done that with the introduction of the stunning V12 Speedster. Still on the drawing board 12 months ago, this special Aston Martin is now reality thanks to an intensive development program by the British marque’s bespoke customization service called Q by Aston Martin.

Q by Aston Martin

“It makes me enormously proud to reveal Aston Martin’s latest, most exciting special model today,” said Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Dr Andy Palmer. “The V12 Speedster is an incredible demonstration of the breadth of capability and determination from the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ team, who have worked tirelessly to create this stunning, two-seat sports car aimed at our most demanding and enthusiastic customers,” enthused Palmer.

Lightweight Chassis

The underpinnings of the V12 Speedster are unique; however, the chassis uses the latest bonded aluminum architecture based on the DBS Superleggera and Vantage models. Driving dynamics are enhanced by the independent double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping, offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes. Large carbon-ceramic brakes provide substantial stopping power.

Unique Styling

The unique body of the V12 Speedster is constructed almost exclusively from carbon fiber. Styling is both modern and retro, relying on cues from Aston Martin’s storied past. Director of Design at Aston Martin Lagonda Miles Nurnberger noted that “There’s clear lineage from the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1 to our Centenary celebratory CC100 Speedster Concept in 2013. There is also a bit of 1953 DB3S in the mid-section, so it really is our latest incarnation of the Speedster concept,” Nurnberger observed.

Visceral Experience

The open-top 2-seater Aston Martin V12 Speedster has no windscreen or roof, providing the ultimate in visceral driving experiences. The twin “humps” — sometimes referred to as nacelles — behind the occupants’ heads as well as the spine separating driver from passenger are a further nod to Aston’s history. The V12 Speedster sports a unique grill and hood, with 21-inch forged center-lock alloy wheels completing the look.

Elegant and Purposeful

The interior of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster is elegant and purposeful, using a mix of modern materials such as satin carbon fiber as well as more traditional materials such as handcrafted leather, chrome and aluminum. In front of the passenger a leather bag takes the place of a glove box, and there is additional space for luggage under the nacelles.

V12 Power

With power to match its sleek styling, the V12 Speedster boasts a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 700 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Power gets sent to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential for better control. The result of this massive powerplant pinned within the V12 Speedster’s lightweight chassis is a sprint to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds, as well as a top speed of 186 mph.

Aural Experience

To add to the overall enjoyment of driving — or even spotting — the V12 Speedster, it is fitted with a stainless-steel exhaust system that exits through two outlets in the center of the rear diffuser, designed to provide what Aston Martin scribes call a “rousing, characterful sound.”

F/A 18 Livery

Aston Martin V12 Speedster buyers will be able to arrange for virtually limitless levels of customization via the Q by Aston Martin program. For example, the vehicle prepped for the V12 Speedster’s launch at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (which was unfortunately canceled due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak) features an F/A 18 livery. In collaboration with The Boeing Company, Q by Aston Martin created a bespoke livery that uses the legendary fighter jet for inspiration. The F/A 18 V12 Speedster is finished in Skyfall Silver with contrasting satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles and vanes. Inside, the jet theme continues with satin dark chrome, machined aluminum, black leather, black technical textile, black carpets and vivid red Aston Martin scripted door pulls.

Available Now

The V12 Speedster is available for order; however, total production will be limited to a mere 88 copies. With a base price of $950,000, the first V12 Speedsters are expected to be delivered in early 2021.