The only DB7 variant not to have ‘DB7’ in the name, the DB AR1 (American Roadster 1) was created in order to offer an open-top alternative to the DB7 Zagato Coupe. However, the car was never marketed as a Zagato, even though it carried the carrozzeria’s distinctive ‘Z’ badges and was built in the same way. Based on a 1999 DB7 Vantage Volante launch/press demonstrator, the prototype was created in just six months and revealed to potential clients just before its public unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2003. Before the show closed, so many orders had been taken that production of a limited run of 100 cars was guaranteed. As the car was only intended for the North American market, it was not felt necessary to provide a hood of any kind, though some cars were subsequently fitted with rudimentary fabric hoods for more confident use in changeable climates.
- 99 Limited edition examples produced 2003-2004
At the Los Angeles Motor Show in January 2003 Aston Martin showcased a lightweight Roadster, designed specifically to appeal to US customers.
The DB American Roadster 1 (DB AR1) was derived from the DB7. Based on the DB7 Vantage Volante (convertible) and boasting revised bodystyle with coachwork by Zagato of Italy and incorporating a number of dynamic elements, which were finely engineered to offer a new dimension to the Aston Martin driving experience.
Available only as a two-seater, the DB AR1 did not represent a convertible Zagato version of the Coupe (DB7 Zagato) – launched in the summer of 2002 – but instead another addition to the Aston Martin range.
The DB AR1 featured a large distinctive radiator grille and accentuating rear wheel arches, whilst the carefully detailed features such as the reverse/fog light combination provided graphic evidence of intricate hand craftsmanship and quality that has become an Aston Martin trademark.
Developments of Aston Martin’s low emission, all alloy, 6.0-litre V12 engine, meant that DB AR1 benefited from a performance increase, offering 435bhp – compared with 420bhp of the DB7 Vantage.
This increased power together with a revised final drive ratio and active sports exhaust system not only provided noticeable improvement in mid-range power, but also additional torque – up from 400 lb/ft (DB7 Vantage) to 410 lb/ft, providing a sharper accelerating drive.
An AP twin plate racing clutch, replacing the single plate clutch found on the DB7 Vantage, combined with the revised quick-shift gear lever – also fitted to the DB7 GT – enabled the driver to maximise use of the increase in power and torque and enjoy a faster gear change.
Aside from a revised body design, the DB AR1 also came equipped with special multispoke 19″ alloy wheels – with revised offset to give a wider track (8×19″ front, 9½x19″ rear) – fitted with SO2 245/35 ZR19 front and 265/30 rear, low profile Yokohoma tyres.
The active sports exhaust system with rear muffler by-pass valves – as used on the V12 Vanquish – provided the DB AR1 with a very distinctive exhaust note.
A combination of racing-style grooved 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) Brembo disc brakes and up-rated Pagid RS 42-1 front pads provided the DB AR1 with better-sustained performance, with improved resistance to judder and fade, particularly at high speed. An up-rated brake booster unit – as used on the V12 Vanquish – assisted in providing the driver with progressive braking and a firmer and more consistent pedal feel.
- Engine:
All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12. Compression ratio 10.3:1. Visteon EEC V engine management controlling fuel injection, ignition and diagnostics. Fully catalysed stainless steel by pass valve exhaust system.
- Transmission:
Six speed manual with optional five speed automatic. Limited slip differential. Ratio 4.09:1.
- Steering:
Rack and pinion, power assisted 2.54 turns lock to lock. Column tilt and reach adjustment.
- Brakes:
Front: Ventilated grooved steel discs 355mm diameter with alloy four piston calipers.
Rear: Ventilated grooved steel discs 330mm diameter with alloy four piston calipers and drum handbrake. Teves anti-lock braking activation system (ABS).
- Suspension:
Front: Independent double wishbone incorporating anti-dive geometry. Coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bar. Rear: Independent double wishbone incorporating longitudinal control arms, coil springs, monotube dampers and anti-roll bar.
- Body:
Two door, with 2+0 seating. Steel underframe and body panels. Aluminium front wings, sills, boot lid with integral spoiler and front and rear bumpers/aprons. Side impact protection in doors.
- Interior:
Bridge of Weir leather interior. Electrically controlled sports front seats incorporating optional seat heaters. Electronic traction control. Six speaker Becker stereo radio cassette system with 6 disc CD autochanger. Alarm and immobiliser system with remote central locking and trunk release.
- Wheels and tyres:
Multispoke lightweight aluminium wheels 8J x 19 (front), 9½J x 19 (rear) Yokohama SO2 245/40 ZR19 tyres (front), 265/35 (rear)
- Performance:
Maximum power: 435 bhp (324kW) @ 6000 rpm (manual only)
Maximum torque: 410 lb. ft (556 Nm) @ 5000 rpm (manual only)
Acceleration: 0 – 62 mph (100 km/h): under 5.0 seconds (manual only)
Maximum speed: 185 mph (298 km/h) (manual only)
- Price at launch: $226,000
Due to homologation problems DB7 Zagato was not offered to the US market. To satisfy the demand created by the coupe a special ‘roadster’ version was styled by Zagato, using the standard DB7 Volante chassis to overcome type approval issues. Called the ‘DB American Roadster 1’ (DB AR1) the open model was built after the coupe and in fact final assembly was completed at the new Gaydon plant alongside the first DB9’s.
Unlike the coupe, DB AR1 used the standard 6.0 litre V12 from DB7 Vantage with Touchtronic transmission. Styling was very similar to DB7 Zagato with the same large grille and twin cowls behind the front seats tapering into the trunk lid, echoing the design cues of the ‘double bubble’ roof design from the coupe. Designed with a sunnier climate in mind (the car was only available in the USA) AR1 had no roof or hood covering at all – just a simple rain cover to protect the leather interior when parked.
Special preview events were held to launch both Zagato derivatives. In London invited guests were shown DB7 Zagato at a special reception held at Gieves and Hawkes, in Savile Row. DB AR1 was shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show, before being moved by road to a gallery in New York. All 99 cars of both models were quickly sold following these exclusive viewings.