Aston Martin’s onslaught of concept car debuts
continues with the AM-RB 003, the new working name for Project 003. Presented in concept form at the
Geneva Motor Show, the AM-RB 003 benefits from the involvement of Red Bull
Advanced Technologies (RBAT). The new study will transition into a production car
that will become Aston Martin’s third mid-engined model.
Aston Martin says the AM-RB 003 will incorporate
concepts and technologies taken directly from Formula 1 “to meet and surpass
the performance demands of existing top-end hypercar rivals.” However, the
AM-RB 003 will make greater concessions to practicality and road use than the
Valkyrie.
The AM-RB 003 features improved access to
the cabin courtesy of LMP1-style doors that open forwards taking a section of
the roof with them. Power will come from a new hybrid turbo V6 engine, marking Aston
Martin’s return to in-house designed engines. Full technical details will be
released later on during the development program.
The car will also feature a revolutionary Nexcel
sealed oil system that will facilitate oil changes in under 90 seconds. First
utilized by the Aston Martin Vulcan, the system will arrive on a road-going car
for the first time. As with the Valkyrie, the AM-RB 003 will be built around a
lightweight carbon fiber structure and will have a bodywork made of carbon
fiber as well. Fitted with active aerodynamics and morphing aero surfaces, the
sculpted body will deliver “outstanding levels of downforce in a road-legal car
package.” Technology sourced from the Valkyrie also includes the active
suspension and electronic systems.
While the design not quite as extreme in some areas
it pushes just as hard in others. Highlights include the pronounced front keel
and large rear diffuser as well as next-generation aircraft morphing technology
that will create a variable airfoil across the entirety of the rear wing. Validated by NASA, the tech allows for the car’s
downforce to be changed without modifying the physical angle of the entire
element. It is named FlexFoil and will make its debut in the automotive
industry on the AM-RB 003.
As for the cockpit, it adopts a very focused layout
and a philosophy called “Apex Ergonomics” which consists in the “perfect
alignment between the centerline of the driver’s back, steering wheel, and
pedals.” The AM-RB 003 will be strictly limited to 500 coupes worldwide.
