Similar design, but with a different powertrain and trick rear wings.
Aston Martin was founded in 20th century as a manufacturer and distributor of large, fast, comfortable grand tours. However, in the 21st Century it is trying to establish itself as a manufacturer of mid-engine hypercars. Aston Martin AM-RB 003, which is the newest member in a family that also includes the Valkyrie, Valkyrie AMR Pro, and was one of the highlights of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
The AM-RB 003 looks just like the Valkyrie. It looks and feels finalized and less race-oriented. And, dare we say it, is more ready for the real thing. It appears that the front splitter is a little higher than it actually is and is therefore less prominent. The Valkyrie’s rear spoiler is not as prominent, but the tail is lower. The new exhaust system, which has a pair cannon-like pipes that are housed in separate housings rather than the Valkyrie’s single opening, is also very pleasing to us. It looks almost like the Kia’s tiger-nose grille.
Aston Martin claims that the 003 will be less common than the Valkyrie, despite it being a slightly more conservative body. However, don’t think that this car will replace the vantage Aston’s starter car. The company claims it will continue to be made “in strictly limited quantities.”
These larger numbers do not mean that 003 will be less racy, hardcore or cutting-edge than its predecessor. The Valkyrie’s 1,160-horsepower, Cosworth-built V12 engine is gone. Instead, the 003 removes half of the cylinders and adds a turbocharger before electrifying the entire setup. Turbocharged V6 with electrification? We have never heard of such a thing before.
Ok, so we are being more coy about the 003’s Formula 1 heritage than Aston Martin. Although the automaker doesn’t say “We loved Red Bull Racing’s powertrain so much that we raided Milton Keynes, U.K. Factory”, the press release clearly states that the new hypercar will feature some F1-derived tech. Aston claims that the engine was entirely designed in-house.
The 003 features an electrified powertrain and a cutting-edge aerodynamic element. The FlexFoil rear-wing is a NASA-approved technology which can alter the rear wing’s downforce and angle of attack without actually changing its body. It was designed by Adrian Newey, an aerodynamic expert. Because it is integrated with the body, it generates no drag or turbulence and makes wind noise less. Aston Martin claims that the technology will be even more effective when it is available in production form with “greatly enhanced actuation rates to enable a real time response to changes in vehicle’s dynamic status.”
AM-RB003 is not yet fully developed. Aston Martin has not revealed many details beyond what we have mentioned. The production version of the car, likely with a more exciting title, will be available in late 2021. It’s something we look forward to.