Aston Martin Launch Limited Edition V12 Speedster

Created by the British marque’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the V12 Speedster draws inspiration from both the brand’s rich racing history and aeronautical design.

Unveiled at Aston Martin’s Gaydon headquarters, the car was showcased in a conceptual F/A-18 livery, also curated by the same artisans.

Speaking at the launch, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “It makes me enormously proud to reveal Aston Martin’s latest, most exciting special model today.

“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.”

Conceived a little over 12 months ago, the V12 Speedster has undergone an intensive development programme, going from drawing board to production reality within that short period.

Utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform.

With independent double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the car also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre lock alloy wheels. Meanwhile over the unique chassis is a bespoke body constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre.

Miles Nurnberger, Director of Design, Aston Martin Lagonda, added: “With the V12 Speedster we do go back a step and look into our past for inspiration. It’s also inspired by fighter jets as much as it is by our history, and it has been created to deliver an incredibly visceral experience, hence why it is a V12, rather than a V8. With the V12 Speedster we are amplifying all the emotional strings that we can to the absolute maximum.

“No roof or screen, a big engine, low, with broad shoulders and exaggerated and emotional styling with twin humps and the spine separating the driver and passenger. The light, low, rear end contrasts with the bold, enlarged grille, unique headlights and bonnet nostril at the front.

“The bonnet nostril we haven’t done in a very long time, but we’ve brought them back. It’s a neat trick visually to allow us to win some space for the V12. It creates this iconic looking vent.”

Powering the V12 Speedster is Aston Martin’s scintillating 5.2-litre, Twin-Turbo V12 engine, with a peak output of 700hp1 and 753Nm1 of torque. The car is able to accelerate to 62mph in 3.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186mph.

Orders are now being taken for the V12 Speedster, with pricing starting at £765,000 and deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.