Dr Andy Palmer was joined by the future Executive Chairman of AML, Lawrence Stoll in the Atrium at Gaydon to introduce the new car. 

The Speedster will be powered by the same 5.2 litre twin turbocharged engine as currently fitted to the DBS Superleggera together with the same 8 speed ZF gearbox. With peak power of 700 bhp within what app to be the structure of the AM6 Vantage, the V12 Speedster will be an incredible motor car. Top speed has been limited to 186 mph and 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Especially developed by the Q division, the Speedster has no roof and no windscreen either so special aerodynamic features will direct some of the airflow around and above the occupants heads. Two helmets are supplied and these can be stored in the humps behind each seat.

The example unveiled was in a conceptual specification inspired by the legendary F/A-18 and will be available for customers to order. Born from an exciting new collaboration with Boeing and created by ‘Q by Aston Martin’, this striking livery takes the legendary fighter jet for inspiration and is finished in Skyfall Silver, with contrasting satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles and vanes. It is believed that some customers have already chosen this spec and others are going for  something inspired by the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1. But of course, Q will be happy to paint a Speedster in any colour at all. Only 88 production cars are scheduled to be built with deliveries expected during Q1 of 2021.

Although the Speedster is a new style for a road going Aston Martin, it is a spiritual successor to both the 2003 DBAR1 Roadster and the 2013 CC-100 Concept. 

So what’s been done? Plenty………………

• A unique aluminium rear valance made to resemble that of an Italian GT
• V12 Vanquish tailpipes with switchable loud/soft exhaust
• Revised grille in satin black.
• Diamond cut wheels body coloured on the internal faces.
• ‘Le Mans’-style filler cap.
• Coachwork in Aston Trophy Metallic, especially mixed by PPG, based on Cumberland Grey but with higher levels of gold and copper flakes (it has to be seen for real to be fully appreciated – photos cannot do it justice)
• Unique jet black diamond quilted leather by Bridge of Weir.
• Centre console finished in gloss black, alloy switches have been fitted to the ventilation controls, red seatbelts and paddle shifters
• Brake callipers finished in gold, with ‘Aston Martin’ picked out in red.
• Bespoke Sportmodificato and Works Prepared badges. The former are a homage to the Superleggera badges fitted to the bonnets of the DB4 and 5

The Sportmodificato has remained unique as is only right of course, yet it was the first in a growing line of unique Aston Martins that are either Works Tailored or bespoke built by ‘Q’.