Aston Martin V12 Speedster review

In engineering terms it is rather simplistically described as the front of a DBS married to the back of a Vantage. So you get the 5.2-litre V12, plus the two seat layout. Suspension and brakes are DBS too, but the gearbox is Vantage, meaning the V12’s power has been pegged just a little and its torque quite a lot. Carbon panels and lack of a roof means mass has not spiralled, but at perhaps 1750kg, nor is the Speedster any kind of flyweight.

I try not to bang on about looks too much in reviews because they are so subjective, but I will here first because they are so core to the car’s appeal and second because I’m not sure I know another modern car less well served by the camera’s lens. You really have to be up close to realise what great work has been done here. It has enormous presence, real beauty, fascinating details and it really couldn’t be anything other than an Aston.

But to drive it’s a cruiser. The suspension is soft and, with no screen, wind is such you’re encouraged to keep to modest speeds or wear a helmet. You can feel the big V12 being held back: bluntly it’s just not as quick as I’d hoped, and you can’t hear its voice either, which means there’s no aural theatre to go with those looks. This then is a beautiful trinket for someone interested in cars as art. As a thing to drive, I expect you’d be better off with a Vantage Roadster

Aston Martin V12 Speedster

Engine: 5204cc, V12, twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, RWD
Power: 690bhp
Torque: 601lb ft
Weight: 1750kg (estimated)

Power-to-weight ratio: 343bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 3.5 seconds
Top speed: 186mph (limited)
Price: £765,000

Ti rating: 6/10