Aston Martin One-77... the real thing

After umpteen previews and teaser shots, Aston Martin's mega-exclusive One-77 finally made its world debut this week at the Concorso d'Eleganza event held at the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.

And it was a dream debut for the $2.5m supercar, as it snared the Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes, staving off the challenge of seven other contenders.

It was a true ‘people's choice' award, as the visiting public were invited to cast their vote for the best concept and prototype, and the Aston garnered more than 30 per cent of the total votes.

It's been a protracted build-up for the upcoming Aston flagship, of which just 77 examples will be offered for sale from next year. The car displayed at Lake Como is the first completed vehicle, complete with running powertrain and the never-seen-before, fully hand-crafted interior.

"Embodying everything Aston Martin stands for; the One-77 has proven itself as the most desirable automotive art form at its premiere today," said Aston Martin boss Dr Ulrich Bez at the unveiling.

Aston Martin design chief Marek Reichman added: "To win this award at its first showing is a testament to the Aston Martin team and the original concept. Winning here today has proven One-77 as a benchmark in automotive design."

Loosely derived from the DB9, the carbonfibre/aluminium-rich One-77 was conceived as a techno tour de force, showcasing all the engineering expertise at the disposal of the venerable British sports car specialist.

Its motive power comes from a massive 7.3-litre V12 engine with in excess of 700bhp (522kW), and the wide-hipped coupe is likely to tip the scales around the 1500kg mark.

Euro sources are speculating of a 0-100km/h split of around 3.5sec, while its top speed will be in excess of 200mph (320km/h). Its hardcore performance credentials are further emphasised by carbon-ceramic brakes, dry-sump lubrication and bespoke Pirelli P Zero Corsa rubber.

There's no mistaking it for a garden-variety Aston, as the One-77 is distinguished by massively flared guards, a gaping-mouthed grille, slashed air intakes for brake cooling and Mercedes SLR-style vents along the flanks.

No shortage of bling in the interior either, with lashings of chrome highlights and carbonfibre trim, while the sculpted white racing seats have distinctive black accents.

It's unquestionably a tasty bit of gear, but you'd expect nothing less for two-and-a-half-mill. For what it's worth, Aston Martin says all 77 cars it will build have already been spoken for...

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi