The Aston Martin stand at the Geneva motor show clearly shows the British brand’s design development, with not one but three mid-engined cars on display.
In addition to the newly-announced Vanquish Vision concept, previewing a forthcoming mid-engined Vanquish model, the stand also hosts the remarkable track-specific AMR Pro version of the Valkyrie hypercar, while the first design concept for the less extreme sister to Valkyrie makes its debut.
Dubbed Project 003 when its development was announced in September last year, the planned road-going hypercar is now known as the AM-RB 003. And like the Valkyrie, it is a joint programme between Aston Martin and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team.
The 003 follows on from the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro, and, like the previous two mid-engined models, it will feature F1-inspired technology and design processes – with the Red Bull team’s technologies department focusing on getting the most out of the chassis and aerodynamic setup.
Under the shell will be mounted Aston Martin’s first V6 turbo hybrid engine – replicating the format of current Formula One cars and set to be built and designed in-house by Aston Martin itself. Power output is not yet being revealed but most observers expect it to be more than 1,000 hp.
Sister to Valkyrie
Aston Martin’s director of design, Miles Nurnberger, is keen to emphasise the close relationship between the RB-003 and the Valkyrie.
“We were quite deliberate in AM-RB 003 to not disguise its lineage, but we were equally emphatic that it would be a distillation of Aston Martin Valkyrie and not a dilution,” he told reporters at Geneva.
“The design isn’t as extreme in some areas, but it pushes just as hard in others, and is even taking certain ideas and concepts a step further. That’s a natural function of design evolution, but also a testament to just how great an influence working with Red Bull Advanced Technologies on Aston Martin Valkyrie has had on our approach to everything that’s come since.”
Boasting a carbon fibre chassis and bodywork, the two-seater 003 comes with a slightly wider and more accommodating cabin than the Valkyrie. The rectangular steering wheel and instrument display are mounted on the same steering column and the infotainment system is set to be smartphone-based, with the driver’s device mounted on the dash on its own holder.
According to Aston Martin Lagonda president and CEO, Andy Palmer, the AM-RB 003 is the fruit of a hoped-for long-term collaboration with Red Bull Advanced Technologies on the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro.
“As these projects enter an incredibly exciting phase with the commissioning of the first running development prototypes, it gives me tremendous satisfaction to confirm that this exceptional partnership is continuing with the AM-RB 003 – a hypercar that not only draws from the ethos and DNA of Aston Martin Valkyrie, but will in turn influence Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar,” Palmer said in Geneva.
Only 500 examples of the 003 will be built, with the car going on sale at the latter end of 2021. Price is yet to be revealed but is expected by most to be around the £1 million mark. This compares to the Valkyrie’s price tag that is said to be between £2 million and £3 million.
Power of the Valkyrie
Aston Martin also announced in Geneva that the Valkyrie hypercar will produce 1,176hp from its hybrid powertrain, as well as 900Nm of torque.
The car combines a 6.5-litre V12 engine with a battery-hybrid set-up similar to the kinetic energy recovery system seen on Formula 1 cars.
The engine produces a remarkable 1,014hp (1,000bhp) on its own, as well as 740Nm of torque. It was developed in conjunction with Cosworth and Red Bull Racing, and produces its peak power at 10,500rpm ahead of an 11,100rpm red line.
It’s also naturally aspirated, producing these incredible figures and remaining emissions-compliant without the need for a turbocharger or supercharger.
The AMR-Pro track version of the Valkyrie remains the star of a potent Aston Martin stand in Geneva. Photo: Andrew Charman
Keyword: Geneva: Aston Martin RB 003 hypercar takes form