Too retro by half.
The David Brown Automotive Speedback looks like exactly what it is—a Jaguar XKR with some grafted-on approximations of classic Aston Martin design cues. As the teaser images we shared last month hinted, it's an obvious homage to the DB5, but unfortunately, it's a little too obvious. Like so many other new cars trying to look old, the Speedback's retro details are much too at odds with its modern silhouette.
It's hard to find fault with the craftsmanship, though. The body panels are handcrafted aluminum, and most of the brightwork details are rather nice. The high point of the car has to be the interior—lush red leather and wood are everywhere, and the instrumentation looks suitably high-end. There's also a leather sofa that folds out of the trunk, which we presume will be used for fox hunting or falconry rather than tailgating.
The Speedback is powered by the same supercharged 5.0-liter V8 from the Jaguar XKR. In the XKR, it produces 510 hp, but DBA says it can provide more power for customers who want it.
We should also reiterate that the David Brown behind David Brown Automotive is not related to the Sir David Brown who owned Aston Martin from 1947 to 1972, but it does seem like a very convenient coincidence.
We're hearing rumors that the Speedback will cost well north of six figures, which leaves us wondering how many enthusiasts will be willing to pull the trigger on a car that uses an obsolete Jaguar chassis and powertrain—especially when you could save a pile of money and just buy a much prettier Jaguar F-Type, instead.
Published on Mar 27, 2014
David has sought out key industry talent to create the new car. An experienced design team is led by Alan Mobberley, who was Chief Designer at Land Rover for 19 years, until 2005, while automotive engineering experts, Envisage Group, have developed the car, for production.
David has not settled for an update of any existing model. He has commissioned a completely original exterior and interior design, sourced bespoke British suppliers for interior trim and materials and the car has been thoroughly engineered for low-volume production, combining the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship.
David explained: "I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it's not something anyone really offers. So, I've created it myself."
Underneath its bespoke exterior design, is the acclaimed chassis and powertrain of the Jaguar XKR, optimised specifically for the car by Envisage group engineers.
This means the car will boast a thoroughly modern 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 engine, driving the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Performance will be suitably brisk, yet refined, delivering 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed exceeding 155mph (248 km/h).
"As reliability is vital, we chose to adopt a thoroughly proven and acclaimed chassis that not only delivers dynamic performance but also lends itself to our lightweight aluminium design. Renown for its performance and handling, the XKR has been extensively developed and refined by one of the world's greatest car manufacturers, making it an obvious choice on which to base our car" said David.
These state-of-the-art underpinnings are matched to a completely original exterior and interior design, realised through the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
David explained: "I wanted all the impact and style of a classic sports car, but with modern capabilities and conveniences. This is what I want in a car, but it's not something anyone really offers. So, I've created it myself."
"It has been developed using a combination of both traditional and contemporary technology, including the latest in automotive expertise. It has undergone a thorough analysis and development programme, including highly advanced wind tunnel and dynamic simulations."
Source:
David Brown Automotive unveils the Jaguar XKR-based Speedback
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