Report: Aston Martin One-77 Hits 220-MPH In Initial Testing

Aston Martin is preparing to launch the One-77, its first ever supercar, next year and the British automaker is so impressed with the car’s initial performance that it sent out a press release to give an update on the project. Just this week the 7.3-liter V12-powered monster began high speed testing at “a top secret proving ground in southern Europe.”

During the first set of runs, the One-77 not only managed 200-mph, but blew past it to record a speed of 220.007 mph. That’s 354.86 km/h in Euro (or Canadian) speak.

Aston has said it will continue testing and its likely the new supercar will exceed the 220-mph mark. Helping it achieve those impressive numbers is an engine rated at around 750-hp, as well as special air ducts at the front of the car that close off at speed to reduce lift.

We’re even more excited to see what the One-77 might be able to do on Germany’s famed Nürburgring, as the combination of power and the One-77’s light weight carbon fiber monocoque chassis (like the one in the McLaren MP4-12C or Lexus LFA) should give it a huge advantage over standard street cars.

As the name suggests, just 77 versions of the car will be built with an asking price of close to $2 million.

One-77 closes on new Aston Martin record

Gaydon, Tuesday 22 December. Aston Martin’s One-77 supercar has moved closer to setting a new all-time record for the British marque in initial high speed testing after surpassing all predictions and comfortably breaking the 200mph mark.

The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 220.007mph (354.86kmh) top speed in dry but windy conditions under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team. Dynamic testing is now scheduled to continue into the New Year.

Powered by a new Aston Martin 7.3 litre V12 engine, the One-77 is engineered to deliver breathtaking levels of power and performance. The dramatically styled two-door, two-seat sports coupe is based on an innovative new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts new active aerodynamic technology.

The One-77 is the ultimate expression of what Aston Martin stands for and will combine modern technology and design with craftsmanship and ultimate exclusivity to create the world’s most desirable automotive art form.

As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.