Aston Martin AM-RB 003 unveiled with hybrid V6: 2019 Geneva Motor Show

‘Project 003’ has had its secrets revealed during Aston Martin’s conference at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

The Aston Martin AM-RB 003 is the third in the brand’s series of upcoming mid-engined cars.

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With a completely new Aston Martin hybrid turbocharged V6, the AM-RB 003 isn’t the V8 many were expecting, but Aston Martin’s continued relationship with Red Bull Advanced Technologies means F1 experience with hybrid V6 engines is close at hand.

Aston Martin says the AM-RB 003 concedes some performance to enable easier road use, the car is still built with an “uncompromising engineering ethos, extending the trickle down of genuine state-of-the-art F1 technology into a car built in larger numbers.”

Only 500 coupes will be built, with Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer being careful to use the word ‘coupe’ each time. This leaves space open for another variant, though what it could be is unknown.

“When Aston Martin secured the services of Red Bull Advanced Technologies to embark on the extraordinary journey that became Aston Martin Valkyrie and Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, it was always my hope that it would lead to a long-term collaboration,” Palmer says.

“As these projects enter an incredibly exciting phase with the commissioning of the first running development prototypes, it gives me tremendous satisfaction to confirm that this exceptional partnership is continuing with the AM-RB 003 - a hypercar that not only draws from the ethos and DNA of Aston Martin Valkyrie, but will in turn influence Aston Martin’s first series production mid-engined supercar.”

Though its drivetrain specifications and the vehicles dimensions haven’t been confirmed, Aston Martin says the biggest difference between the AM-RB 003 and the Aston Martin Valkyrie in terms of useability is the size of the cabin.

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“To create more space between driver and passenger the centre console has been widened, while luggage space is provided via a terrace behind the seats.

“There will also be stowage areas for oddments such as a wallet or mobile phone.”

But the overall image of the ‘003’ is very derivative of the Valkyrie, Aston design director Miles Nurnberger admits.

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““We were quite deliberate in AM-RB 003 to not disguise its lineage, but we were equally emphatic that it would be a distillation of Aston Martin Valkyrie and not a dilution.

“The design isn’t as extreme in some areas, but it pushes just as hard in others, and is even taking certain ideas and concepts a step further.”

The Aston Martin AM-RB 003 was followed by the closely-related Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept at the press conference.

Production for the 003 is set to kick off in 2021.