- Aston Martin’s third mid-engine hypercar
- Carbon chassis, all-new Aston Martin V6
- Active suspension, active aerodynamics
- Morphing aero surfaces
- Set for late 2021 launch
Aston Martin is continuing its foray into the world of mid-engine hypercars with the AM-RB 003, the third such car in the storied English marque’s long history. Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, AM-RB 003 incorporates concepts and technologies taken from Formula 1 racing and applied to the Valkyrie. Aston says the production version, likely with a new name, will be built in larger, but still strictly limited, numbers.
Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martin Director of Design, says AM-RB 003 was heavily influenced by the Valkyrie but is very much its own car: “We were quite deliberate with 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. 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 testament to just how great an influence working with Adrian Newey on Aston Martin Valkyrie has had on our approach to everything that’s come since.”
Next-gen aircraft morphing technology
Like the Valkyrie, the Aston Martin AM-RB 003 has a pronounced front keel and a large rear diffuser, with the underfloor generating the bulk of the downforce. But AM-RB 003 also benefits from “next-generation aircraft morphing technology,” which is said to create a variable airfoil across the entirety of the rear wing.
Called FlexFoil, the NASA-validated technology allows for the car’s downforce to be changed without changing the physical angle of the entire element, resulting in a seamless design with high performance, improved efficiency and reduced wind noise. The turbulence and drag typically associated with other active wing designs is said to be virtually eliminated, too.
Bigger interior
Another big difference: AM-RB 003 has a larger cockpit, with greater concessions to usability and comfort. AM-RB 003 has LMP1-style doors that open forward, and more space between the driver and passenger. The larger cabin allows for a wider center console that is created on a 3D printer and is 50 percent lighter than a conventional unit of the same size. Luggage can be stored on a shelf behind the seats.
Power comes from an all-new Aston Martin turbocharged V6 hybrid engine that represents the marque’s return to in-house designed engines. The Aston V6 will have Nexcel, a sealed-oil system that allows for oil changes in less than 90 seconds. This system was used by the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan in the Nürburgring 24-hour race, but in AM-RB 003 it will the first such application for a roadgoing car.
Also: Check out the latest news from the Geneva Motor Show
Carbon-fiber structure
As a descendant of the Valkyrie, AM-RB 003 is based on a carbon-fiber structure, with bodywork made of the same lightweight material. Complementing the active aerodynamics is active suspension, tuned for excellent dynamics on the road and the track.
The dynamic performance of AM-RB 003 is the responsibility of Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker and Aston Martin Expert High Performance Test Driver, Chris Goodwin, who are working to ensure proper continuity between the Valkyrie and AM-RB 003. The Advanced Operations team, led by Chief Engineer Fraser Dunn, also does its part to create a car with its own unique character.
Look for the first production versions of the Aston Martin AM-RB 003 hypercar to arrive in late 2021.
