Aston Martin’s boss has shed more light on the automaker’s Project 003. The hypercar is reportedly to feature Kinetic Energy Recovery System inspired by Formula 1.
CEO Andy Palmer’s interview with Auto Express revealed that the Project 003 will sit below the Aston’s upcoming flagship Valkyrie, and above the Ferrari 488-rivaling model codenamed AM9, which is still under development and could carry the name Vanquish.
Palmer said the 003 will come with design cues similar to the Vanquish. He claimed the coupe has a “really interesting” styling. Its development is going side by side with the AM9, which explains why they share the same DNA.
And no, it won’t be powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 like the Mercedes-AMG, let alone the Valkyrie’s naturally-aspirated V12 unit. What lies under its bonnet will be a turbocharged V6 engine featuring F1-derived technology called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The car will also have a new, specifically-designed hybrid system in it.
Aston is collaborating with Red Bull Racing in developing the 003. The latter is also involved in helping the automaker build the AM9 and Valkyrie. In terms of power, the 003 will rival the likes of the Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren Senna, and Ferrari LaFerrari; which means that its grunt would be in the region of 800 HP. And its acceleration from 0-62 mph could take just a couple of seconds or less.
of course with such an insane performance, you get an insane price tag as well. Just as suggested by Palmer, the Project 003 will set customers back seven figures. Yes, it won’t go affordably. The coupe’s production will start in 2021, with only 500 units will be made.