Aston Martin has confirmed its third mid-engined hypercar, currently identified as Project 003, releasing a sketch of a vague bodystyle.
It doesn’t have a name designation yet, but follows 2018’s Project 001, which started out as Nebula before being stamped Valkyrie (to fall in line with the Aston Martin “V” naming designation). Project 002, which is awaiting production, also follows the V nomenclature, being also called Valkyrie. In all fairness, 002 is a track version of 001, virtually identical with few changes, and is named Valkyrie AMR Pro.
And, Aston Martin has admitted that much of the technology in the new hypercar will come from Valkyrie. It is expected in late 2021.
“I’m thrilled to announce that this car is the Project ‘003’, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena,” said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive. “It was always the intention for the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a lifetime project, however, it was also vital to us that Valkyrie would create a legacy: a direct descendent that would also set new standards within its own area of the hypercar market, creating a bloodline of highly specialised, limited production machines that can exist in parallel with Aston Martin’s series production models.”
As with its predecessors, Aston Martin will be limiting production, with just 500 coupes available worldwide, in either right- or left-hand drive. Valkyrie was limited to 150 units, which the AMR Pro limited to just 25.
The car will be built on a lightweight structure and be powered by a turbocharged engine with electric assist. Emphasis will be placed on handling dynamics, with active aerodynamic trim to provide enhanced downforce, active suspension to keep everything on the level at high cornering speeds, and driver control and connection.
Aston Martin says its newest hypercar will be fully homologated and offer more practicality than the Valkyries, paying particular attention to luggage space.