Aston To Debut CC100 Roadster And Hydro-Rapide At Nürburgring: Report

Aston Martin’s 2013 centenary celebrations continue, with the news this week that two unique Astons will be revealed at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in May.

UK mag Autocar reports that the British marque will use the event to debut a two-seater dubbed CC100, designed as a homage to Aston’s iconic DBR1 racer of the 50s.

The DBR1 was responsible for Aston Martin’s sole 24 Hours of Le Mans victory in 1959 - also claiming second place for a historic 1-2 finish.

That same year, the DBR1 won the Nürburgring 1000km race at the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, who will officially unveil the DBR1 with a parade lap of the infamous circuit.

The CC100 is said to be based on the V12 Vantage model, and production will be limited to just two units.

Said to blend contemporary Aston styling with hints of DBR1, the CC100 will also remain doorless and devoid of any roof - like the historic racer.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the CC100, but Aston boss Ulrich Bez has suggested it will sit between the also-limited £330,000 (AU$482,000) V12 Zagato and the £1.4m (AU$2.04 million) One-77.

Also set to debut at the Nürburgring race is a hydrogen-petrol hybrid Rapide racer, which will aim to set the first-ever zero emission lap at race pace.

The 373kW racer will aim to complete the entire 24 hour race, and will run on hydrogen for approximately 20 percent of race distance - raising awareness for the alternative fuel source.

"I believe this hydrogen hybrid technology is the way to zero emissions in 20, 30 or 40 years' time," Dr Bez said.

Aston has already unveiled the production Rapide S this year, and the one-off Rapide-based Bertone Jet 2+2 wagonette at this month’s Geneva show.

A further two new Aston Martin concepts are set to appear at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August, making Aston’s hundredth year definitely one of its most exciting.