Le Mans inspires Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Aston Martin has announced a limited edition open-top Speedster inspired by its Le Mans racing history.

It will make its public debut later this year and cars will start reaching customers in early 2021.

Only 88 examples of the two-seat, open-cockpit road car will be built and pricing is yet to be announced but it is thought the V12 Speedster will cost in the region of £700,000-£800,000.

Ahead of its public unveiling, Aston Martin has revealed a teaser sketch of the car, hinting at its shape. The British car maker says that the exclusive new model will be “modern and dynamic” but with clear nods to both its 1959 DBR1, which won the LeMans24hoursand1000km of Nürburgring, and the marque’s Centenary CC100 SpeedsterConceptfrom2013.

Developed by its in-house bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin,theV12Speedsterwill use aviation and motorsport technology to offer a “authentic driver-orientated sports car”.

Aston isn’t giving away much detail on what those aviationandmotorsporttechnologies are but has revealed what will power the Speedster.Asthenamesuggests,it’s a V12, Specifically, the same 5.2-litretwin-turboV12found in the DB11 and DBS Superleggera. In the V12 Speedster it will produce 690bhp and 516lb/ft and be mated to a rear-mountedZFeight-speed automatic gearbox.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “The V12 Speedster we’re proud to confirm once again showcases not only this great British brand’s ambition and ingenuity, but also celebrates our richandunrivalledheritage.”