Aston Martin has chosen the 2022 Monterey Car Week to unveil the spectacular DBR22 for the first time: a V12-engined two-seater coach-built design concept, celebrating the marque’s extraordinary bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers. Among other key innovations, the DBR22 features a 3D printed rear subframe.
“Technology is pivotal in the construction of DBR22, with extensive use of carbon fiber throughout, and the use of 3D printing for the manufacture of a structural component,” said Roberto Fedeli, Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer. “As such DBR22 showcases Aston Martin’s unique capabilities, with the world-class design combined with an agile, intelligent approach to engineering and production. For a car that was designed to celebrate the ultimate bespoke customization service, the engineering developments mean DBR22 truly has the dynamic theatre to match, ensuring the drive is just as addictive as its looks.”
This is the first time Aston Martin has introduced such a method. The component is made from multiple 3D printed parts printed from aluminum, which are then bonded to form the finished subframe, a technique introduced by automotive 3D printing pioneers such as Divergent. The advantages are clear, with a significant weight saving and no reduction in stiffness, plus the ability to make special parts for ultra-low volume models, where required.
Divergent founder Kevin Czinger confirmed on Linkedin that “the company is proud to be working with Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd and other major global OEMs to transform the future of automotive design and engineering. Beginning next month and over the next few years, the Divergent team will be scaling multiple modular factories in the US and Europe to deploy the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS).
“We are a Tier 1 supplier – he added – to a number of major OEM brands with volume production programs for frames and suspension systems that range from the 100s of vehicles per model annually to the tens of thousand by 2025.”
The creation of the DBR22 design concept, unveiled in California, is the latest in a long line of projects by the in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin, which this year celebrates a decade of building exclusive cars. Iconic one-off commissions such as Aston Martin Victor, and low volume specials such as Vulcan – limited to 24 examples worldwide, and Vantage V600 – limited to just 14, are magnificent examples of these collaborations. It seems only fitting then, that the DBR22 design concept should also form the basis of a production reality example for an ultra-exclusive number of Q by Aston Martin customers.
By mating the classic art of coachbuilding with advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, DBR22 blends design purity, engineering precision, performance and passion. A celebration of Q by Aston Martin and its potential. Underlined by the knowledge it is one of the rarest Aston Martins in the marque’s rich 109-year history.
With classic proportions and muscular curves, DBR22 unashamedly speaks of tradition – specifically Aston Martin’s lifelong lineage of two-seater open-cockpit sportscars such as the DBR1 and DB3S – but expresses it with a dynamic new take on this compelling theme.
The DBR22 design concept showcases a completely new body from the designers at Aston Martin. Its unique coach-built form is created from a minimal number of body panels to create a more sculpted, muscular presence. The result: a smooth blend of drama and elegance, with several unique design features to compliment.
A particularly noteworthy feature is the entirely new front grille which incorporates a unique carbon fibre design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins. This design takes inspiration directly from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving a unique identity that clearly draws from Aston Martin’s heritage but uses this inspiration to create a truly contemporary design.
The bonnet features a horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine that sits beneath it. This long, unbroken bonnet line draws the eye back towards the cockpit, over the lowline wind deflector and mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbon fiber arms.
Manufacturing on Demand
Sitting perfectly within the wheel arches is a set of all-new 21″ alloy wheels. Featuring a unique 14-spoke design created especially for the DBR22, these lightweight wheels feature a motorsport-derived center-lock hub, which is also available to spec from an extensive color pallet.
The DBR22 design concept also showcases an entirely bespoke paint color, developed specifically for the occasion using ‘Paint to Sample’ – an exclusive option available through Q by Aston Martin, demonstrating again the vast design possibilities attainable through the marques bespoke service.
The DBR22’s cockpit continues the fusion of classic and contemporary approaches with many unique components and extensive use of both leather and exposed carbon fiber. With architecture defined by the all-new dashboard and sleek infotainment displays, it sets the tone for a clean, uncluttered environment. Though taking inspiration from Aston Martin’s world-beating competition cars, the DBR22 is no bare-bones racer inside. Supple aromatic hides swathe the contemporary dashboard, the carbon fibre performance seats and extend over the tops of the doors to create an inviting hint of the interior.
Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads. At the rear, the DBR22 design concept has a horizontal light graphic courtesy of the slim, full-width light bar made especially for this application. Beneath it sits a perforated panel to allow hot air to exit the tail. This sculptural piece is yet another unique highlight of the DBR22 intriguing design. Together with the smoothly integrated diffuser and pair of large diameter exhaust tailpipes, the DBR22 was built to capture the raw emotion of the driving experience.
With an extensive options palette available through the celebrated bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin offers customers of all Aston Martin models the chance to create something completely unique. As well as paint colors and finishes, bespoke graphics through to tinted carbons and bespoke materials on both the interior and exterior, every Q by Aston Martin car can push the limits of design and desire and is completely tailored to the customer.
“We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavoring to express a future in the here today,” commented Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer. “Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form? Combining this approach with advanced processes, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernized our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree. DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sports car full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons”.
Thanks to its potent 5.2-liter V12 Twin-Turbo powertrain the DBR22 backs up its looks with performance; peak outputs of 715PS and 753Nm providing sufficient propulsion to accelerate the DBR22 from a standstill to 60mph in just 3.4sec and on to a top speed of 198mph/319kph. With nothing but the slipstream between the driver and this epic engine’s unforgettable twelve-cylinder howl, the DBR22 promises to be an intense sensory stimulation.
Dynamically the DBR22 targets driver connection, with a chassis honed to deliver precision, agility and tactility in equal measure. Unique calibration of the engine and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission uses torque shaping to give the DBR22 a manner and delivery, unlike any other model. A pinned steering column brings greater accuracy and provides more detailed feedback so the driver can build a more accurate picture of the available grip.
Attention has also been paid to the DBR22’s chassis structure. Unique front and rear shear panels further increase torsional rigidity, with a bespoke calibration for the adaptive dampers providing precision and pliancy for a blend of body control and ride refinement that will make the DBR22 an absolute pleasure to drive – on road or racetrack.
The DBR22 design concept will be on display at Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance from Friday 19th – Sunday 21st of August.
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Author: Davide Sher
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