Aston Martin unveils DBR22, a two-seater open cockpit concept

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.

The DBR22 design concept showcases a completely new body from the designers at Aston Martin.  A particularly noteworthy feature is the entirely new front grille which incorporates a unique carbon fiber design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins. This design takes inspiration directly from the DBR1 and DB3S.

The bonnet features a dramatic horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-liter V12 Twin-Turbo engine that sits beneath it. This long, unbroken bonnet line draws your eye back towards the cockpit, over the lowline wind deflector and delicate mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbon fiber arms.

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.  Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads. At the rear, 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.

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 also features a 3D printed rear subframe – 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. 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.