According to statistics, the video games market is expected to be worth over 90 billion US dollars by 2020 with more than 2.5 billion video gamers all over the world. With figures like this, it is no wonder that Aston Martin has swerved into the world of gaming with a bang.
Collaborating with high-end sim maker Curv, Aston Martin has released the AMR-CO1, ‘the ultimate luxury home simulator for drivers who want to compete in the virtual or the real world’ complete with a console that incorporates a seat, pedals, steering wheel, and a monitor to help put users in the pretend cockpit. Appropriately, Curv boss, Darren Turner, is also an Aston Martin works GT racer who has taken three class wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours with the brand and is a simulator specialist with over 20 years’ experience in cutting edge Formula 1 simulation.
Designed by Aston Martin and engineered by Curv, the AMR-C01 has a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque with the seating position modelled on the Aston Martin Valkyrie to give users a feel of the hypercar. The seat faces a steering wheel that incorporates a central display screen, while the front of the sim’s bodywork is shaped to invoke the signature Aston Martin Racing grille.
According to the official press release, the AMR-C01 will make a stylish addition to any luxury games room due to its unique look. “This was a challenge for the design team as, although the simulator isn’t a car, it is inspired by our racing cars. It needed to exude the same elegance, boasting the same dynamic lines and balance of proportions as any Aston Martin with a racing lineage. I can picture the AMR-C01 in the most beautiful of residences as a sculptural work of art in its own right,” says Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.
Running Assetto Corsa software means the simulator will be able to reproduce anything from the modest performance of a 160-hp Abarth 500 esseesse to a Ferrari SF-15T Formula 1 car, although the expectation is that buyers will prefer to concentrate on the various carefully modelled Aston Martin models. They will also be able to race against rivals online where they can come out of several wrecks without the fear of death or millions in repairs.
The Aston Martin AMR-C01 is a limited collection of 150 units and costs £57,500 or $74,000. The first deliveries are scheduled to take place before the end of the year. For more information and to order yours, click here.
Source: Aston Martin