Aston Martin Idea

"CAcoalminer" (CAcoalminer) 09/22/2014 at 13:26 • Filed to: None

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So, ever since I saw the Aston Martin DBC Concept last week, I've been mulling over what a production version would be like.

(More photos !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .)

This is what I've come up with so far:

Body

- Two-seat, two-door coupe body style

- Carbon fiber monocoque structure with front and rear aluminum trusses

- Carbon fiber body panels

- Cast-magnesium door structures

- Single bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED side lights and direction indicators

- LED tail-lamps

- Exposed carbon fiber splitter, roof, and diffuser with integrated transaxle cooler

Transmission

- Rear mid-mounted, seven-speed, dual-clutch, automated manual gearbox

- Magnesium alloy torque tube with carbon fiber propeller shaft

- Limited-slip differential

Engine

- Mid-mounted, aluminum alloy quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 7312 cc V12

- Compression ratio of 10.9:1

- Fully catalyzed lightweight titanium sports exhaust system with active bypass valves

- Max power of 750 hp and 553 lbs. ft.

Wheels and Tires

- 15-spoke, 20'' forged aluminum wheels

- Front Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/35 ZR20

- Rear Michelin Pilot Super Sport 335/30 ZR20

Brakes

- 15.7 in. front ventilated carbon ceramic discs with 6-piston calipers

- 14.2 in. rear ventilated carbon ceramic discs with 4-piston calipers

- 3-stage dynamic stability control

- Anti-lock braking system

- Electronic brakeforce distribution

- Emergency brake assist

- Traction control

- Hydraulic brake assist

- Positive torque control

Steering

- Rack and pinion, power-assisted steering

- 2.6 turns lock-to-lock

- Column tilt and reach adjustment

Suspension

- Front independent double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive dampers

- Rear independent double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar and adaptive dampers

- 3-stage adaptive damping system with normal, sport and track modes

Interior

- Very similar to the One-77 but with a smaller, rounded steering wheel, rear parcel shelf, and technology provided by Mercedes

-Electrically adjustable, heated comfort seats (standard)

- Non-adjustable, lightweight sports seats (option)

Dimensions

- Length: 185 in.

- Width: 78 in.

- Height: 48 in.

- Wheelbase: 106 in. wheelbase

- Curb Weight: 3,600 lbs. (1633 kg)

- Weight Distribution: 42/58 (F/R)

- Fuel tank capacity: 25.8 gallons (98 liters)

Airflow

- Vents before the taillights and spoiler are for the clutch and gearbox's radiators (same as 458)

- Vents behind the windows feed the engine's intake (same as 458)

- Vents in the roof are for engine bay cooling (same as concept)

- Vents in the hood are for the engine's radiator (same as concept) (will probably move the vents further forward so that they are in a similar location as the ones on the P1 and Speciale)

Price

- MSRP: $350,000

Thoughts

As some of you might have already noticed, nearly all of the features listed above are parts bin items from Aston Martin and Mercedes. I did this because I feel that it's the most realistic scenario if Aston and Mercedes were to become true business partners and begin sharing technology, capabilities, and, most importantly for Aston, cash. Also, while unlikely, I really don't think a vehicle like this is completely out of the question, as Aston needs to diversify if it is to survive and Mercedes has shown it is willing to build supercars. Take for instance the SLR. While McLaren wanted a powerful, very light vehicle, Mercedes, who was funding the project, wanted a powerful, yet comfortable vehicle. Therefore, the SLR ended up being a ~3,700 lb., 617 hp supercar. In the case of the DBC Concept, I feel that Aston and Mercedes's mindsets would be very similar- a powerful, relatively light vehicle that is excellent both as a grand tourer and competent corner carver. In addition, the opportunity for Mercedes to develop their own car (CLK GTR successor?) using the DBC's monocoque structure could prove appealing.

Main points I'd really like to see on a production version

1. Use a carbon fiber monocoque (similar to the One-77's one with slight enhancements, if possible) (Mercedes could help with this as they have experience with the SLR and CLK GTR)

2. Add front and rear aluminum trusses to the carbon monocoque in similar fashion to the 12C/650S (this allows for more flexibility with the platform and makes repairs cheaper)

3. Use a modified version of the One-77's engine (7.3L V12, 750 hp and 553 lb ft) (have AMG and/or Cosworth work on reducing the engine's capacity while keeping the same amount of power, if possible) (if applicable, use knowledge from the 7.3L V12 in Pagani's Zonda 760 RS with 750 hp and 575 lb ft)

4. Offer a beefed-up and updated version of the SLS Black Series's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (yes, I like manuals also but it's unrealistic to think one will make production)

5. Add a classically beautiful Aston interior with Mercedes technology (best of both worlds)

6. Engineer it to be sportier than a Ferrari F12 without compromising its ability to be a genuinely competent grand tourer

7. Have prices start around $350,000 so that it will be in a unique position as the cheapest mid-engined V12 supercar by nearly $27,500 (Lamborghini Aventador $397,500 MSRP)

Vehicles I used for dimensions

Vanquish-184.7 L, 75.2 W, 50.9 H, 107.9 wheelbase and 3897 lbs.

One-77- 181.1 L, 86.7 W, 48.1 H, 109.8 wheelbase and 3600 lbs.

Aventador- 188.2 L, 79.9 W, 44.7 H, 106.3 wheelbase and 4109 lbs.

So, what do all of you think? Is a vehicle like the DBC simply a pipe dream or actually a realistic possibly? In addition, what would you add or take out of my plan for the vehicle? Also, can anyone find a use for the vent that is on each door and below the rear-view mirrors? Finally, even if this particular vehicle or one similar to it never comes to fruition, I would like to thank Samir Sadikhov for creating such a truly stunning design.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > CAcoalminer 09/22/2014 at 11:31

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It would be AWESOME!

CAcoalminer > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 09/22/2014 at 11:38

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I know. That's why they have to make it.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/22/2014 at 22:11

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Not even done reading but already want to say "SHUT UP AND TAKE MY HOUSE IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS CAR ASTON AND MERCEDES!"

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/22/2014 at 22:14

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Haha. I don't think it's quite good enough to give up your house over.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/22/2014 at 22:14

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All of this is perfect, you turned your idea into a well thought out, rational post. The design is just too beautiful to stop looking.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/22/2014 at 22:16

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I dunno. I just might be. Imagine if I had bought a Ford GT instead of my last house in 2005. I am stuck with that place and still can't sell it without losing money so I rent it out at a monthly loss.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/22/2014 at 22:17

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I would take this over a P1 or 918

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/22/2014 at 22:18

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Well duh, that goes without saying, because Aston.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/22/2014 at 22:22

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And over the Russian Doll Ferrari

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/22/2014 at 22:23

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Over pretty much any Ferrari.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/22/2014 at 22:24

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Except dat 250 GTO. If anyone wants to sell you a 250 GTO for under market value you take it. Cause then you sell it at market value and can buy ALL THE CARS

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/22/2014 at 22:24

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Thank you. I spent about half an hour putting myself in both automakers positions and thought how I would go about making this particular car and what case I would make for producing it (unfortunately, "just look at it" probably wouldn't cut it). Next, I spent another half an hour figuring out various issues like how I would deal with cooling without compromising the car's beautiful silhouette. Thankfully, Ferrari had already solved this issue with the 458. All in all, I'd say it was definitely worth the hour or so I invested in it. If nothing else, it's just fun to think about.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/22/2014 at 22:28

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Yes pls I would like GTO thnks

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/22/2014 at 22:29

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True but we're not psychics. We can only make the best decisions possible at that particular moment and learn from them.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/22/2014 at 22:30

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Hopefully the board of directors of both companies will have this car on their list of things that need discussing sometime in the future. The only think will be different is the price. If they were to make this car, I would be ultra low volume and $1million+ just like the One-77. But it's definitely doable.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/22/2014 at 23:00

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I could live with that. In fact, the price would almost be an afterthought for me as long as I was on the list to get one.

Interestingly, if the car was to be in the $1million+ segment, they could use even larger amounts of light but costly materials and could probably get the car into the 3,300-3,500 lb. range without compromising its sumptuous interior. I'm starting to like your idea.

On the topic of things Aston and Mercedes should be discussing, I don't like saying it, but I think Aston should consider following Porsche's lead and make an SUV. I think it could really help them to get an infusion of cash and make projects, like this vehicle, much more viable. In addition, they could utilize the Mercedes G and M class chassis as the basis.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/23/2014 at 01:00

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True, for now. Once we rig a DeLorean with a flux capacitor we'll be able to go back in time and tell our younger selves what to do!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 01:00

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I'll see what I can do.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 01:04

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Sounds good to me.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/23/2014 at 01:05

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And you could give this idea to Mercedes and Aston 3 years ago so the car would be available to purchase now!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 01:07

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Geez, that's brillant! Hurry up and make this DeLorean!

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/23/2014 at 01:08

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I can buy the car. Do you know any geniuses who can help us build the flux capacitor?

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 01:13

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Well... my niece does live 2 houses down from a rocket scientist who works for Boeing. Hmm... I have been meaning to call her. Haha

Well, I'm off to bed, my friend. Have a good evening and I'll most likely talk to you and Brian at some point tomorrow, if I don't get bogged down with work.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/23/2014 at 01:16

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Perfect. Our plan is coming together nicely!

Thanks. I hope work isn't too hectic tomorrow. Bye for now

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 07:17

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YAY

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/23/2014 at 07:20

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I don't like the idea of an Aston SUV, but I do like the idea of Aston turning a profit, so I agree with you on that front as well. It could only benefit them at this point.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 17:01

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I want the Aston right freaking now.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 17:05

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You should find a One-77 for sale and sell your soul for it. It's the next best thing.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 18:10

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I wonder if I can sell my parents and sister

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 18:13

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can i do that plz

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 18:17

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If I find a way to do it I'll be sure to share the info with you!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 18:18

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*gets notepad ready*

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 18:24

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*Puts tranquilizer in sister Silvestro's drink.*

*Puts Civic on street with windows down and engine running and sign saying "take me"*

*Mentally prepares to strip Boxster interior to make it a lighter and better AutoX machine*

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 18:25

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MMMMM Boxster track car

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 18:35

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*Places on an CL offering 328d in a trade for a really nice Alfa GTV*

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 18:36

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*faints*

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/23/2014 at 19:03

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Did you see this?

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/goodbye-sweet-…

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/23/2014 at 19:08

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Yes. It was brutally murdered in it's prime. So sad.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 01:34

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So, I was just woken up by an email from a friend in San Diego. All it included was the image below and the caption "Guess what arrived today!"

I'm a little jealous.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 07:24

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*faints*

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 11:49

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Here's more he's sent me:

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 11:50

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Oh my...

I bet he's secretly trying to tell you "now it's your turn, get something awesome!"

That Aston needs to exist.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 12:03

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Oh believe me, he and I have already exchanged blows when we talked earlier this morning. He claims I'm being old and boring because I haven't bought a new car in over a year. I just said there's nothing that particularly interests me at the moment. To which he replied that I was lying. (He had me there but I didn't admit it.)

It's great having people to banter with. In addition, it was great to just catch up with him.

Yes, it does!

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 13:51

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I didn't realize gods converse over cars, just like us!

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 14:32

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Haha. Indeed we do.

On a semi-related note, I don't know if I ever showed you my old 4.0 but PushToStart was asking about it the other day and since I shared it with him, I thought I would do the same for you.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 14:51

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Yeah I need that. It's so clean. So much better without the decals. It must've been the most fun to drive.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 15:12

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I definitely love a clean look, especially on the 997.2 GT3s. I just found the striping to look a bit ridiculous and removed it on my 4.0 and simple RS before it. Also, I don't know if you noticed but I removed the front dive planes as well. Did it affect handling? Yes, a little bit but I like clean profiles. (In case you're wondering, I had the stripes and dive planes put back on when I sold it.)

I would say that it was probably the most fun to drive but not the most exciting. The Carrera GT still holds that title and I'm not sure if anything will top it.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 15:21

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Putting everything back on was genius!

The Carrera GT is just insane. You probably know this more than anyone. Which is why that makes sense. It was one of the last insane analog supercars.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 15:34

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Well, I know most people get upset when rare cars are fettled with so I decided to put it back to stock. Interestingly, the service people at the dealership all agreed that it looked better "naked" as they called it.

It definitely is. Surprisingly, values have held quite steady around $500,000, so I think it's still a good value.

Brian Silvestro > CAcoalminer 09/26/2014 at 15:51

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Yeah I'm sure they're gonna start creeping up as time goes on. It's gonna be a real classic.

CAcoalminer > Brian Silvestro 09/26/2014 at 15:52

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I agree.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/27/2014 at 01:24

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this is the best thread ever

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 09/27/2014 at 01:24

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good one

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 01:25

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You need to get this friend on Oppo. You can assemble a true group of elite automotive Gods for Brian and I to talk to!

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 01:26

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San Diego? When are you coming to so cal to see it?

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 01:32

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I'll pitch the idea to him but he's not really an internet person. Also, try not to share these photos too much because I don't know if I'm supposed to share them.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 01:36

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Sounds good, I will not share with everyone.

If he doesn't like the internet much then I'll just need to meet him at Cars and Coffee!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 01:37

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Good question. I have commitments until mid October and don't usually travel very much during the end of the year (except for holidays of course) because I like to ensure my businesses finish out the year strong. So, unless something frees up, realistically not until end of January or sometime in February.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 01:53

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Thank you.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 04:11

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lol that 918 though.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 13:15

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you should bring your wife to San diego for a holiday trip in December! For some reason December usually has aweome weather. Probably cause of the drought. It doesn't rain. It's just sunny and nice.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 13:21

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I just called this dealer. Saw this ad for a perfect 6 speed spider. Carbon ceramics. Front and rear parking sensors to avoid hurting the poor car. Nice price for options and mileage

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/16AC337…

But of course they just got a deposit ...

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 14:19

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That sounds terrific but we've already committed to hosting the whole family and even the in-laws (the wife's idea) at our home in Telluride from the 19-27th so I'll be swamped all of December leading up to then (I might even have to arrive a bit later because I don't see how I can effectively get everything done in the current time span).

I'll be out there at some point though.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 14:19

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Be patient. Everything will work out.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 14:23

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You might be right. Just got off the phone with a dealer in AZ. Very interesting opportunity. He's checking to see if he can take a refundable deposit to lock the car until I get back to So Cal on Wednesday.

Higher mileage and no carbon ceramics. But also red on tan spider Manuél

And nice price

Has has a lot of calls on it so it will probably sell before I get there if I don't lock it down now

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 14:25

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oh wow that will be busy around the holidays then!! Should be fun though

This is good though. The longer it takes for you to come to CA the higher the chance I'll have an F Car. If so maybe I can meet you in San Diego. We can take the 918 and Ferrari on a cruise to the beach!

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 14:29

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That's very promising.

I was just about to suggest that if you find a vehicle you are interested in, you should call and ask to make a refundable deposit to hold the vehicle. From my experience, most will.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 14:30

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Sounds like a terrific plan. I might even bring one of my cars to play with and, who knows, I may even have a new toy by then.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 16:14

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I almost did that on the 16M last week. But I got too busy to do it.

This dealer in AZ hasn't called me back yet. Panic intensifies!

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 16:15

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that would be awesome!

Would you drive it to CA?

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 17:31

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Most likely.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 17:32

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I hope they do even if they can't take your deposit.

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 19:37

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I found this today and thought it might cheer you up.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 22:55

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thank you! That's aweome. It's a 16M and Scud party. I've never seen this pic before

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 23:27

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You're welcome.

Here's some more:

This is the same vehicle from the previous post:

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/27/2014 at 23:49

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OMG. Now I'm reconsidering that Manuél spider. Regular F430s are for plebs. Scuds and 16Ms are where it's at.

Those stripes. My god those stripes...

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/27/2014 at 23:54

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Haha they're all great vehicles!

Unlike some vehicles, the stripes on the Scud just look so right.

Manuél Ferrari > CAcoalminer 09/28/2014 at 00:06

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Scuds and Ford GTs look sooooo good with stripes

CAcoalminer > Manuél Ferrari 09/28/2014 at 00:09

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I can't argue with that.

emanresu > CAcoalminer 09/30/2014 at 11:29

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drooooooool...

emanresu > CAcoalminer 09/30/2014 at 11:30

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Wheels look too differently sized in this picture. It makes it look like a die-cast car

p00pman > CAcoalminer 09/30/2014 at 11:46

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that's like two and a half feet of hip!

CAcoalminer > p00pman 09/30/2014 at 11:48

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I'm ok with that. How about you?

Faunafan > CAcoalminer 09/30/2014 at 19:32

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wow this is the most beautiful car I have ever seen. Truely. My only gripe is the weight. Just too heavy. Bring it in at <3500 lb and it will be something referenced by the auto mags for ever. Otherwise it will just be another beautiful face with good performance. Cutting one hundred kilos out would make it something truelly special.

CAcoalminer > Faunafan 09/30/2014 at 19:49

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It could definitely be done, but it would necessitate the use of more carbon fiber and, therefore, the price would go up. I'm thinking $450,000+

Faunafan > CAcoalminer 09/30/2014 at 20:02

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it seems like the era when affordable carbon just keeps getting pushed back. When it finally happens it will be the auto enthusiasts turn.

CAcoalminer > Faunafan 09/30/2014 at 20:19

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True.

p00pman > CAcoalminer 10/01/2014 at 11:03

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yes