Hybrid V6 power for Aston Martin Project 003 hypercar

More details of the Aston Martin Project 003 hypercar have been revealed by the British car-maker's outspoken boss.

According to CEO Andy Palmer, in an interview with Auto Express, the new 003 will slot into Aston Martin's model range below the forthcoming Valkyrie flagship but above the upcoming mid-engined rival for the Ferrari 488, which is being developed under the codename AM9 and should be called the Vanquish.

It's the latter that the Project 003 will share its styling cues with, says Palmer.

“When you see the design language for 003, it’s really interesting. We’re designing 003 and what we call AM9 side by side, so you see that bloodline,” the Aston boss added.

Instead of Mercedes-AMG's twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, or even the normally aspirated V12 from the Valkyrie, the Project 003 will feature an advanced turbocharged V6 assisted by F1-inspired KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) technology.

Developed in co-operation with Red Bull Racing, which is also helping Aston design and engineer both the Valkyrie and the AM9, Palmer says Project 003 will produce similar levels of power to the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren Senna.

Expect a power output of between 600 and 700kW and a 0-100km/h time of less than two seconds.

Unfortunately, Palmer hinted that as well as bringing hypercar-style acceleration, the Project 003 is also likely to be priced in the same league as some of its rivals with a seven-figure price tag.

Aston Martin has already announced it plans to build 500 examples of the Project 003 coupe from 2021.