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Aston Martin to Build New ‘003’ Hypercar 

Aston Martin confirms new hybrid hypercar, set for 2021 launch…

Photo: Aston Martin

Aston Martin has announced that it will build a new mid-engine hypercar with the working name of Project ‘003’.

The road-legal vehicle will be powered by a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid engine and will sport active aerodynamics and active suspension, in what will be the British manufacturer’s third hypercar project after the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro.

An Aston Martin statement said that Project 003 “will possess class-leading dynamics on both road and track” and that its DNA is “deeply rooted in concepts and technology” found in its Adrian Newey-designed predecessors.

It will also have practical uses for the road, including luggage space, and is expected to be launched in late 2021 with production limited to 500 coupe examples.

“It was always the intention for the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Andy Palmer,  chief executive of Aston Martin Lagonda.

“However, it was also vital to us that Valkyrie would create a legacy: a direct descendant that would also set new standards within its own area of the hypercar market, creating a bloodline of highly specialized, limited production machines that can exist in parallel with Aston Martin’s series production models.

“I’m thrilled to announce that this car is the Project ‘003’, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena.”

Aston Martin has been involved in discussions about new regulations for the top prototype class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, which are due to be introduced in 2020.

Aston Martin Racing president David King told Sportscar365 last month that talks with other manufacturers are ongoing and that Aston Martin is “enthusiastic and committed” about being part of the new formula.

King also previously suggested that the company’s ‘Project 002’ car – the Valkyrie AMR Pro – could offer a glimpse into where the new regulations might head.

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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