Aston Martin confirms hypercar

Aston Martin will build a V12 mid-engined hypercar which it claims will be the fastest ever production car ever around any given racetrack. It’s official.

The first fruit of a new technical partnership with Red Bull Racing F1 squad announced this evening in Melbourne, the new car will be created jointly by storied F1 designer Adrian Newey and Aston Martin head of design Marek Reichman.

The new car is currently known by its technical label ‘Project AMRB01’. It will be built in limited numbers and will commence deliveries in the second half of 2018.

Aston Martin boss Andy Palmer said the project had been in early planning stages for nine months. He told motoring.com.au the funding for the project was secured as part of the Brit brand’s ‘Second Century’ six-year production and marketing plan.

The AMRB01 is confirmed for right and left hand drive and will be homologated under low volume type approvals around the world. Palmer says he’s hopeful the car will find “at least two or three” Australian buyers.

Aston Martin will build “less than 100” of the cars. No price has been announced.

“This is a no excuses kick-arse car,” Palmer told motoring.com.au.

“It moves the brand and is a halo. And creates a credible alternative to even the most exclusive cars from brands like Ferrari,” the Aston boss stated.

Palmer said the partnership with Red Bull Racing was in part a product of his relationship with F1 team principle Christian Horner. Palmer and Horner’s friendship was forged when the Englishman headed up Infiniti, then a sponsor of the sports drink linked racing operation.

“The relationship with Red Bull allows Aston Martin to reach another audience – the new rich in the east and China. And it reinforces the coolness of the brand worldwide,” Palmer stated.

Access to aero-wizard Adrian Newey is also a key factor in the cooperation.

Newey says he’s harboured a desire to design a road-going supercar since he was young.

“I’ve dreamed of designing this type of car and now I’m in a position to do so. And with the skill set of Marek combined with our knowledge, it’s a very exciting combination. I’ve waited to do this for many years and now all my Christmases have come,” Newey enthused.

Reichman said Aston’s sketch “defines” the mid-engined car.

“Adrian has an innate skill with aero. And an Aston has to be beautiful. It’s simple, pure and has incredible wow-factor,” the Aston design boss stated.

First glimpses of the car are expected later this year in Paris.

Palmer promises the car will have “F1 like performance” but is realistic of the task ahead of Aston’s engineers.

“We will make sure we have the engines and systems to deliver that performance,” he said.

“Racing has always been important to Aston Martin. The fact that we can co-develop cars with racing DNA is not marketing spin. It’s a key part of our character,” Palmer stated.