Aston Martin and Curv announce enhanced RM337,000 Racing Simulator

Simulator racing has come a long, long way from the days of very simple and basic graphics on monochrome screens. As computer processing power advanced, more sophisticated programming could reproduce increasingly realistic graphics with immersive displays. Racing sims like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo have constantly pushed boundaries further and further ahead.

The hardware too has advanced in a similar manner – from using just keyboards, then joysticks and then steering wheels and foot pedals that replicated the experience of driving. Automakers use them for R&D and so do racing teams, allowing drivers to fine-tune their racing strategies even before the race.

The sophisticated racing simulators are very expensive, given the computing power and other hardware. In 2020, Aston Martin and Curv Racing Simulators offered the state-of-the-art AMR-CO1 simulator for £57,500 (RM304,000 back then). Only 150 units were available and all were sold within a short time.

Enhanced version
5 years later, the two companies have come out with the AMR-C01-R, an enhanced version of the AMR-C01 with precision ergonomics, cutting-edge hardware, and an even more immersive racing experience. This time, only 50 units will be available and each costs £58,750 (about RM337,200 at today’s exchange rates).

The new simulator builds on the pioneering collaboration between Aston Martin’s world-renowned design team and Curv Racing Simulators, led by three-time Le Mans winner and simulator specialist Darren Turner.

The AMR-C01-R retains the striking all-carbonfibre monocoque and signature Aston Martin Racing grille, associating it with the brand which has a Formula 1 team. Now featuring a revised seating position inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the updated model offers improved ergonomics with further adjustment for enhanced comfort and accessibility, particularly for taller drivers.

Refined control for peak performance
The new switch panel has been repositioned for improved ergonomics, ensuring intuitive access to essential controls, while a sportier, more dynamic looking front grille has been redesigned to improve cooling.

More powerful hardware
On the hardware side, the AMR-C01-R has significant technical upgrades. The 49-inch G95C monitor with a 1000R curvature enhances immersion, while a 240 Hz refresh rate (previously 120 Hz) and 1 ms response time (previously 4 ms) deliver seamless, razor-sharp visuals. The addition of HDR10+ Gaming generates richer colours and deeper contrasts for a more realistic racing environment.

The upgraded NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, a major leap from the previous-generation GPU, powers an ultra-responsive and ultra-realistic driving experience. Meanwhile, the latest Intel 14th-generation processor, 32 GB DDR5 memory (up from 16 GB), and 2 TB M.2 SSD storage (double the previous capacity) ensure peak gaming performance and ample space for an extensive racing library.

Additionally, the redesigned PC chassis not only accommodates the latest hardware but also enhances cooling efficiency and accessibility for future upgrades – future-proofing the AMR-C01-R for years to come.