British luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin is known for creating classy vehicles. Aston Martins are usually exclusive to the wealthy and secret agents like James Bond. Current models range from prices of $139,000 to over $300,000. Luckily for consumers who never planned on purchasing an actual Aston Martin vehicle, the company created a racing simulator. The only issue is the Aston Martin AMR-C01 simulator costs more than most real cars.

Aston Martin: The brand that changed hands

Despite its external appearance as a brand representing opulence and prosperity, Aston Martin has experienced some challenging times financially. The company was bought and sold between individuals several times after its founding in 1913. It was purchased by Ford several decades later. In 1987 American automobile manufacturer Ford purchased a 75% stake in the company. Later, Ford purchased the remaining shares of the company to prevent it from going bankrupt in 1981.

Ford was able to breathe new life into the brand. After almost two decades of ownership Ford sold the brand. Sadly, this wasn’t the end of Aston Martin’s financial hardship. Luckily, the company partnered with a powerful ally in 2013.

Aston Martin partnered with Daimler AG

In 2013 a partnership was struck between the British luxury automaker and Daimler AG. As a result, Daimler provided Mercedes-AMG electrical systems and engines to the automaker. This led to the creation of amazing vehicles like the 2016 Aston Martin DB 11. Next came the spectacular 2018 Aston Martin Vantage V8.

Things haven’t always been easy for the British luxury vehicle manufacturer. There’s one thing the company has accomplished consistently. Thanks to its acquisition by Ford, its partnership with Daimler AG, and its constant change in ownership, the company has always returned to the market with a certain wow factor.

The Aston Martin Racing team

Performance has been a huge part of the company’s foundational makeup regardless of who owned it at the time. Many of its biggest investors and shareholders have been racing enthusiasts, and performance is an integral part of the brand’s existence.

The Aston Martin Racing team has been active since 2004. Now the racing team has competed across the globe and has the accolades to prove their merit. They won the 2019-20 GT FIA World Endurance Drivers’ Championship, solidifying their place as a skilled racing team. Now, consumers will have the chance to feel like a part of the elite racing team thanks to the company’s new simulator.

Aston Martin’s racing simulator: The AMR-C01

The racing simulator is everything you would expect from the company. It’s also the closest most consumers will get to owning a vehicle of the automaker’s magnitude. Aston Martin calls it the AMR-C01, and it’ll cost $80,000.

The AMR-C01 uses the seat of an Aston Martin Valkyrie. It has a 49-inch curved display screen and is about as immersive as simulators get. The AMR-C01 screen is comparable to an IMAX movie screen.

The simulator can run any Windows-based racing game. The company has always been passionate about racing. Now it can share its passion by providing a unique driving experience for 150 consumers.

The AMR-C01 is just as exclusive as the real deal and almost as pricey. If you do wind up purchasing one, chances are you’ll log more hours in the simulator than you would actually driving. The Aston Martin of your dreams may just fit in your living room or basement.