Fernando Alonso made the change from Alpine to Aston Martin for the 2023 Formulation 1 season, and his new crew is already making use of the two-time F1 champion’s star energy with a video that includes Alonso behind the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX707 SUV.
Alonso philosophizes in regards to the good lap, noting that whereas computer systems can predict the restrict, a driver’s instinct can exceed it. But, in a voiceover over a mock take a look at session at an unnamed observe, Alonso concedes that the right lap “is all the time out of attain.”
The Spaniard’s dealing with of the DBX707 is dramatic however would not look like the work of a driver seeking to obtain the right lap. There’s some untidy sliding, and a little bit of grass will get clipped. Nonetheless, it is spectacular to observe a double F1 champion hustle this SUV round a observe.
Aimed on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the DBX707 is an upgraded model of the common DBX, boasting extra energy, a stiffer chassis, and greater brakes to deal with all of it. The dual-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 makes 697 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, will increase of 155 hp and 147 lb-ft over the common DBX. All-wheel drive remains to be commonplace, however the 707 makes use of a 9-speed computerized with a torque converter as a substitute of the usual DBX’s 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox to deal with the additional energy.
Would-be Alonsos can use the brand new transmission for racing-style launches at 4,000 rpm, getting the DBX707 from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and on to a prime velocity of 193 mph. Aston Martin has additionally mentioned taking the DBX707 to the Nürburgring to problem the Cayenne’s lap file, and whereas one was spied on the ‘Ring in 2022, we have not acquired any updates since then. A brand new file can be a great way to have fun Aston’s one hundred and tenth anniversary this yr.
Alonso joins Aston Martin’s F1 crew this yr because the alternative for Sebastian Vettel, who retired on the finish of the 2022 season. He’ll be teamed with Lance Stroll, son of crew proprietor and present Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll, and seeking to enhance on his ninth-place factors end with Alpine final yr. Alonso received each of his championships with the French crew, then racing below the Renault title, in 2005 and 2006.