Auston Martin AR1

Aston Martin DB AR1 was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2003., it also carries the name American Roadster 1 (hence the AR1 in the name) as it was produced for the American market only. It is a "grand tourer", with no roof at all and the design was based around DB7 or more correctly DB7 Vantage Volante, which was the most popular Aston Martin of all times. Aston Martin DB AR1 has a 48-valve, 6-liter V12 engine, which is taken from the V12 Vantage. The power of this particular engine is 435 bhp at 5000 rpm. The acceleration from 0 – 60 mph is 4,9 seconds, while the highest speed Aston Martin DB AR1 can achieve is 186 mph. Another thing that was taken from the Vantage 12 model, apart from the engine, was the exhaust system rear muffler by-pass valves which give a unique exhaust note to Aston Martin DB AR1.

 Another Vantage V12 component was used on this model - updated brake booster system, which enables easier progressive braking and firmer feel to the pedal. Aston Martin DB AR1 was shown to a number of selected buyers at the Los Angeles Auto show and then went into limited production, with only 99 cars produced. The price tag for this improved and limited model was around 230.000 dollars. Even though it was marketed as a product intended for the United States market only, a few samples of Aston Martin DB AR1 found its way to the European market as well, mostly Germany, while a single right hand drive sample managed to stay in United Kingdom.