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Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster Concept

Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster Concept

Photos Courtesy of Aston Martin
Spectators at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in Germany last weekend were treated to an unexpected surprise when Aston Martin lapped the vaunted racetrack in an entirely new concept car. Called the CC100 Speedster, the model celebrates the company's hundredth anniversary in style. Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster
The concept adopts a similar open bodystyle to the recent Pininfarina Sergio concept and the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Sterling Moss edition — the latter incidentally named after the same British racing legend who piloted the CC100's spiritual successor, the 1959 DBR1, alongside the concept around the Nürburgring.  Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster
Underneath the dynamic carbon-fiber bodywork, penned by design director Marek Reichman and chief exterior designer Miles Nurnberger, sits the latest iteration of Aston's signature 6.0-liter V12. It's the same engine that powers most of the company's lineup — including the newest Vanquish in which it produces 565 horsepower — mated to a six-speed sequential transmission to propel the speedster to 62 mph in just over four seconds and on to a 180 mph top speed.  Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster
As Aston Martin's chief executive Dr. Ulrich Bez (expected soon to retire from his position) pointed out, however, “this car is more, even, than a simple ‘birthday present’ to ourselves: it shows that the soul of Aston Martin — the thing that differentiates us from all the other car makers out there — is as powerful as ever.”  Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster
What Dr. Bez is alluding to is that, while the vehicle pictured here is very much a showpiece in terms of its radical roof and windowless form, it also previews the company's future styling direction. Industry sources reported recently that Aston Martin dealerships were instructed to stop taking orders for the V12 Vantage, lending to question whether its replacement could look something like this — albeit with a few more creature comforts. A roof and windshield sound like a good place to start.  Aston Martin Celebrates Centenary with CC100 Speedster

Noah Joseph

Noah Joseph is a veteran automotive journalist and lifestyle writer whose words have been published in print and online media around the world. A military reservist and multinational citizen, Noah lives with his wife and son in the mountains above the Mediterranean Basin. ...(Read More)

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