Who needs a roof? Aston Martin’s new DBR22 is a coach-built two-seater speedster powered by the British brand’s twin-turbo V12. Let’s take a closer look…

Aston Martin has revealed the first images of its new DBR22, a V12-powered two-seater speedster conceived to celebrated the Gaydon-based firm’s bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers such as the DBR1 and DB3S.

Set to make its debut in the metal at the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, the DBR22 was coach-built by the company’s in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, which this year celebrates a decade of creating exclusive cars (remember the V12 Speedster of 2020?). Aston Martin says the design will “form the basis of a production reality example” for an “ultra-exclusive number” of customers.

The roofless DBR22 features what the company describes as a “completely new body” crafted from a “minimal number” of panels. The result, according to Aston Martin, is a “smooth and effortless blend of exceptional drama and elegance”.

The grille incorporates a bespoke carbon-fibre design rather than the slats seen on series-production Aston Martins. Other interesting design features include a recessed horseshoe vent in the bonnet, a small wind deflector and slender side mirrors mounted to the tops of the doors on carbon-fibre arms. The DBR22 sits on lightweight 21-inch alloy wheels with a unique 14-spoke layout and a motorsport-derived centre-lock hub.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of leather and exposed carbon-fibre, along with an “all-new” facia and sleek infotainment displays. Rising from behind the carbon-shelled, leather-trimmed seats are twin nacelles that smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads.

Under the Aston Martin DBR22’s bonnet

The twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 under the bonnet facilitates what Aston Martin calls “breath-taking performance” thanks to peak outputs of 526 kW and 753 Nm, which are delivered exclusively to the rear axle. As a result, the sprint from standstill to 100 kph takes around 3.4 seconds, with top speed pegged at a heady (considering the distinct lack of a roof) 319 kph.

The British automaker promises the DBR22 serves up a “true driver connection”, with the chassis honed to deliver “precision, agility and tactility in equal measure”. The engine and 8-speed automatic transmission boast a bespoke calibration, while the pinned steering column ostensibly offers more detailed feedback.

Model-specific front and rear shear panels have also been incorporated to increase torsional rigidity, while the adaptive dampers receive a bespoke calibration. Interestingly, the DBR22 features a 3D-printed aluminium rear subframe, a first for Aston Martin.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin chief creative officer, says the company “effectively modernised” its racing bloodline to create a “new pedigree”.

“DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sportscar full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons,” Reichman said.