New £765,000 Aston Martin V12 Speedster put through paces before 2021 launch

The first images of the new Aston Martin V12 Speedster testing have been revealed ahead of its ultra-exclusive production run of just 88 cars.

The £765,000 roofless, windscreen-free Speedster is undergoing the final stages of testing, and when first deliveries start in Spring 2021, it will offer wealthy enthusiasts a stunning alternative to the likes of the McLaren Elva. The Speedster is available to order now.

Responsibility for creating the new car has been handed over to Aston Martin’s ‘Q’ customisation division, and the brand claims that the design of the V12 Speedster draws on both Aston’s motorsport heritage and takes inspiration from aeronautical design.

The overall proportions, plus many design details of the Speedster, take cues from the Vantage; both share similar headlights, a vast front air dam and full width rear light bar. However, the Speedster’s face is flanked by two new, more purposeful grilles, while the bonnet features a large central air intake and further air gills sitting above the front wheels.

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Aggressive cuts and surfacing details define the V12 Speedster’s flanks, while the two seat cockpit is free from screens and other distractions from the road. Driver and passenger are separated by a central spine that runs from the bonnet to the back of the car, while two curved buttresses flow across its rear deck. The rear is completed with huge twin tailpipes - the end of a unique stainless steel exhaust system - poking out from the centre of an extreme diffuser.

The pared-back driver and passenger cells pair satin carbon fibre trim with leather, chrome and aluminium. The V12 Speedster also features 3D-printed rubber components, while the front passenger gets a removable leather bag as a lightweight alternative to a traditional glovebox. 

Underneath, the Speedster features an adapted version of Aston Martin’s bonded aluminium platform, which uses structures borrowed from both the DBS Superleggera and the Vanquish to create a bespoke chassis.

This chassis cradles a twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 developing 690bhp and 753Nm of torque, placing the V12 Speedster just below the DBS Superleggera in terms of raw power. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and Aston Martin claims 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph. 

At the front, the suspension comprises a double wishbone setup, while the rear axle is multi-link with coil springs. Adaptive dampers are also fitted, altering in profile if the driver flicks through the Sport, Sport+, and track settings. Carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted all round, while the V12 Speedster rides on 21-inch, forged, centre-locking wheels.

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