The David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition, introduced in 2018, represents a unique offering in the high-performance grand touring segment. Built by David Brown Automotive, a British manufacturer specializing in low-volume, bespoke vehicles, the Silverstone Edition is a hand-built, two-door coupe designed to evoke the spirit of classic British sports cars while incorporating modern technology and luxury. It’s positioned as an exclusive alternative to mainstream grand tourers, emphasizing craftsmanship and personalization. The Speedback Silverstone Edition is built upon a bespoke platform, rather than utilizing an existing manufacturer’s chassis, and is characterized by its long hood, sweeping lines, and luxurious interior.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | David Brown |
| Model | Speedback Silverstone Edition |
| Generation | Speedback Silverstone Edition |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V8 (601 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 18.9 l/100 km (12.4 US mpg, 14.9 UK mpg, 5.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg, 23 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 292 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 3.2 kg/Hp, 313 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.5 kg/Nm, 399 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 601 Hp @ 6000-6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 120.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 766 Nm @ 4030 rpm (564.97 lb.-ft. @ 4030 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 5000 cm3 (305.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 243 l (8.58 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 502 l (17.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70.6 l (18.65 US gal | 15.53 UK gal) |
| Length | 4760 mm (187.4 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2100 mm (82.68 in.) |
| Height | 1350 mm (53.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2750 mm (108.27 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission tiptronic |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Wheel rims size | 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Speedback Silverstone Edition lies a 5.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 601 horsepower and 766 Nm (565 lb-ft) of torque. This engine is sourced from a specialist supplier and is meticulously assembled by David Brown Automotive. The engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a sophisticated engine management system to optimize performance and efficiency. The twin-turbocharger setup provides a broad torque curve, delivering strong acceleration throughout the rev range. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. The transmission is a six-speed automatic with a ‘tiptronic’ manual shift mode, allowing the driver to select gears for more engaging driving. The automatic transmission is calibrated to provide smooth shifts and responsive performance, complementing the engine’s power delivery.
Driving Characteristics
The Speedback Silverstone Edition delivers a grand touring experience characterized by effortless performance and refined handling. The combination of the powerful V8 engine and the six-speed automatic transmission results in brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.1 seconds. The automatic transmission, while providing convenience, is tuned for responsiveness, offering quick downshifts and smooth upshifts. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a balanced chassis and engaging driving dynamics. While not a track-focused sports car, the Speedback Silverstone Edition offers ample power for confident overtaking and comfortable high-speed cruising. The suspension is tuned to provide a balance between comfort and control, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Silverstone Edition is positioned as a premium offering, and as such, comes standard with a high level of equipment. The interior is lavishly appointed with high-quality leather upholstery, wood veneer trim, and aluminum accents. Standard features include climate control, a premium audio system, navigation, and power-adjustable seats. The car is highly customizable, with a wide range of options available to personalize the interior and exterior. These options include bespoke leather colors, unique wood trim choices, and exterior paint finishes. The focus is on creating a truly individual vehicle tailored to the owner’s preferences.
Chassis & Braking
The Speedback Silverstone Edition utilizes a steel chassis, engineered for rigidity and safety. The suspension system consists of independent double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This configuration provides a comfortable ride and precise handling. The braking system features ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, coupled with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels, providing a stylish appearance and contributing to the overall handling characteristics. Stabilizer bars are fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition occupies a niche market, appealing to buyers seeking a unique and exclusive grand tourer. Critics have praised the car’s striking design, luxurious interior, and strong performance. However, its high price point and limited production volume restrict its appeal to a select clientele. Compared to more mainstream grand tourers like the Aston Martin DB11 or Bentley Continental GT, the Speedback Silverstone Edition offers a more bespoke and personalized experience. Fuel economy, as expected for a high-performance V8, is relatively low, with combined fuel consumption around 19.1 US mpg. Reliability is expected to be good, given the car’s hand-built nature and the use of high-quality components, but long-term data is still emerging due to the limited production numbers.
Legacy
The David Brown Speedback Silverstone Edition represents a modern interpretation of the classic British grand tourer. Its focus on craftsmanship, personalization, and performance sets it apart from mass-produced vehicles. While its long-term reliability remains to be fully established, the car’s robust construction and use of proven components suggest it will hold its value well in the used car market. The Speedback Silverstone Edition is likely to be appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts as a unique and desirable example of British automotive engineering.
