THE ART OF THE ONE; Aston unveils stunning limited-edition One-77.(NEWS)

Byline: JULIAN RENDELL

THERE ARE RARE CARS, AND there are expensive cars, but the new Aston Martin One-77 promises to be both. As such, it could well usurp the Bugatti Veyron as the world's most exotic supercar.

After a tease at October's Paris motor show, where the One-77 was displayed under a silk cover with only its front and rear corners exposed to the world, the wraps come off here and now with these first official images.

How exclusive and exotic a car is it? Aston promises that the One-77 will cost "no more than $2 million and probably closer to $1.75 million in the United States, half a mil more than a Veyron. But given that the One-77 will be a global image flagship for Aston, and just "five or six cars are earmarked for the States from the 77-car production run, look for the market price to match what undoubtedly will become one of the world's rarest and most exclusive cars.

Aston boss Ulrich Bez told AutoWeek in an exclusive interview that One-77s will be allocated around the world to spread the word that Aston makes the ultimate sports cars. That means there will be no favors for the old-world supercar markets of the United States or even the home market of Britain, which is to get just four cars.

In tune with its top-of-the-market aspirations, the One-77's technical specs are without equal.

This aspirational Aston may appear to be a derivative of today's models, but looks deceive. It is a substantially new car featuring a hand-molded aluminum body draped over a carbon-fiber tub and suspended by race-derived spring-damper units linked to wide, racing-style double wishbones. That cuts unsprung weight, improves handling and takes it closer toward the bespoke and unique.