Aston Martin has released a photo of a new car called the One-77 which it describes as the ultimate creative interpretation of the renowned British marque.
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“Based on a sophisticated carbon fibre chassis with a hand crafted aluminium body, this 7.0 litre V12 super car will deliver exhilarating performance for a strictly limited number of discerning customers,” the former Ford unit, now privately owned said in a statement.
Enthusiasts’ magazine Auto Express said on its website the car would be launched in late 2009 with a GBP1.2m ($US2.4m) price tag and that owners would have access to the company’s top designers and engineers, would have cars minutely tailored to their own requirements, and would even be encouraged to take part in suspension development.
Aston chairman David Richards told Auto Express: “It’s a very special car for customers who want to take the bespoke experience to a higher level. Every car will be entirely individual.”
Rival weekly magazine Autocar noted on its website that sketchy details of the car were revealed in advertisements in upmarket UK daily newspapers last weekend and that Aston Martin has already identified the “500 or so” people likely to be attracted to a car like this. It will take demonstration cars to them, rather than requiring them to visit a showroom.
According to Autocar, the One-77 project began at Aston’s Gaydon, Warwickshire facility 15 months ago.
“The car, a front-engined coupe with hand-formed aluminium panels over an all-new carbon fibre monocoque chassis, appears to be a two-seater coupe, but such is the level of customer input that for some it could become a two-plus two or convertible,” Autocar said.
It added that a re-engineered, seven-litre version of Aston Martin’s current 650hp V12 should make it faster than any current model and push top speed beyond 220mph (350km/h).
Aston is rumoured to be forging links with Mercedes Benz to use engines and running gear for its sports cars, and possibly Maybach platforms for a revived Lagonda line, Autocar added.
It said the One-77 name won’t be used for production cars but signals that no more than 77 cars will be built.
Aston Martin officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
