Aston Martin's New Racing Simulator Costs More Than Your Car

Only 150 are being produced.

As graphics and physics in video games constantly improve, modern racing games such as Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, and Project Cars are more realistic than ever before, allowing you to virtually get behind the wheel of exotic supercars and racecars from the comfort of your living room.

But if you want maximum immersion, you need a steering wheel and racing seat. For the first time, Aston Martin is launching its own racing simulation designed for racing drivers who want to practice before the next race and hardcore gamers who compete in virtual Esports championships. Esports events increased in popularity significantly this year when real-life motorsports events were canceled due to the pandemic.

Before this year's real-life championship resumed, F1 racing drivers such as Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and Alex Albon competed with sim racers in the official F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix.

Built in collaboration between Aston Martin and Curv Racing Simulators, the AMR-C01 features a lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque, high-quality components hand-assembled by Curv Racing Simulators, and the latest Assetto Corsa racing simulation software. The seating position also mimics the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar's seat position.

Designed by Aston Martin, the AMR-C01 has a striking design constructed from carbon fiber and can be finished in different colors inspired by Aston Martin's racing livery.

The shape of the front is inspired by the Aston Martin Racing grille, which was challenging to replicate on a racing simulator. "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," said Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman.

Darren Turner, Aston Martin works driver and head of Curv Racing Simulators, added: "The AMR-C01 is all about the love of racing. We've created a home simulator with incredible immersion that offers users the opportunity to have a great time racing in the virtual world, from the comfort of their own home.

"Our goal was to create a simulator that provided as much enjoyment in virtual reality as real racing does. Racing cars is a lot of fun and it is great to see that with the growth of Esports racing, more people are now getting involved. We modeled the driving position on the Aston Martin Valkyrie so users of AMR-C01 can get the full hypercar experience. I'm very proud of what we've been able to achieve, with design and engineering creating what I believe to be the most beautiful home simulator available."

Like the Valkyrie, the Aston Martin AMR-C01 racing simulator is limited to 150 units. Pricing starts at £57,500 ($73,858) plus taxes, so there's a good chance it costs more than your car. Deliveries will start in Q4, 2020.