Aston Martin One-77 (2009) unveiled at Geneva motor show

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

03 March 2009 13:04

Aston Martin officially unveiled the One-77 at the Geneva motor show today, displaying a full-size model of the car and an exposed carbonfibre chassis, designed to showcase the engineering expertise inside the 1.1 million pound monster.

Right. The chassis might be carbonfibre, but the aluminium panels are hand rolled. But would you believe it - Aston started the One-77 project by looking at DTM racers. 'We wanted to create something that wows you as much when you see what’s under the skin as the exterior styling itself. We started by identifying the most technologically exciting front-engined, rear-wheel drive cars in the world: those from the DTM race series,' said Chris Porritt, One-77 programme manager. 'We then applied the principles and technology that feature heavily in their design and translated it to a road car application.'
 
Beyond the aluminium bodywork and carbonfibre chassis there is double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable dampers, with Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) technology, a world first for a road car according to Aston. And let's not forget the 7.3-litre V12. Developed from Aston's exisiting 6.0-litre lump by Cosworth, it produces over 700bhp, while power is sent to the rear wheels via a new generation of Aston's sequential-manual gearbox.  There's also carbon ceramic brakes nestling behind 20-inch wheels
 
Despite the recession, Aston is pushing ahead with the One-77 project, with the performance and durability phase on the development about to begin. Which means Aston is now working on making the One-77 weigh 1500kg, hit 60mph in 3.5 seconds and go on to over 200mph. We can't wait, but we also drooled over the V12 Vantage and DBS Volante on Aston's show stand.

By Ben Pulman