Aston Martin, Brough Superior Begin Testing AMB 001

Last year, Aston Martin surprised the auto world by announcing a partnership with luxury motorcycle builder Brough Superior, teaming up to build a track-only performance two-wheeler, the AMB 001. And now, that bike has moved from conception to testing at the Pau-Arnos circuit in France.

No details or lap times have been revealed of course, but Aston says the focus is on fine tuning chassis geometry, ergonomics and dynamic behaviour.

The AMB 001 puts out 180hp with a 997cc V-twin fitted with a turbocharger, a technology toyed with in the 1980s by Japanese bike builders who gave up on it quickly due to its added weight, complexity and above all, turbo lag. Aston Martin though says its variable geometry turbo, blown through an intercooler, will solve those early problems.

The chassis is a combination of titanium and carbon fibre, while the front fork, machined from aluminum, is claimed to cancel out diving under braking. All body panels are carbon fibre.

Brough Superior motorcycles were originally built between 1919 and 1940, and were considered among the best of their time, earning the nickname as ‘the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles’. T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia) owned seven, and, sadly, even died whilst riding one. In 2008, Mark Upham acquired the rights to the Brough Superior name and, in 2013, the company produced the SS100, styled in a pre-war look but with modern components.

This new AMB 001 is decidedly not retro, with its aggressive look and modern performance, and will be produced at the Brough factory in Toulouse, France. Only 100 will be built, and if you want one when they start becoming available near the end of the year, expect to lighten your wallet by around $120,000 USD.

*Images courtesy of Aston Martin