AM-RB 003 Concept Paves The Way For Aston Martin’s Third Mid-Engined Supercar

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), just like the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro.

The new study will transition into a production car that will become Aston Martin’s third mid-engined model. According to CEO Andy Palmer, it will benefit from Red Bull’s involvement in its design and engineering, particularly when it comes to the chassis and aerodynamics.

New hybrid V6 turbo powertrain developed in-house by Aston Martin

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.

For example, the new model will have a roomier cockpit allowing for more space between driver and passenger thanks to a wider center console, luggage space behind the seats, as well as storage areas for a wallet or mobile phone. Furthermore, 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 first application of next-generation aircraft morphing technology in the auto industry

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.

The AM-RB 003 is clearly heavily influenced by the Valkyrie in the styling department as well. However, Aston describes the design as “a distillation of Aston Martin Valkyrie and not a dilution.” The new lamp shapes and graphics at the front and rear ensure the AM-RB 003 has its own identity.

Focused cockpit built according to the “Apex Ergonomics” philosophy

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.