What's the news?
Aston Martin has confirmed that it is working on 'Project 003', new mid-engined hypercar that will hit the market in 2021. Apparently, it will feature lessons learned in the development of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro (projects 001 and 002 respectively), but the new model will be a little more practical, with actual boot space.
In terms of design, all we have to go on is a single abstract sketch, so it probably hasn't been signed off as yet. Nonetheless, we do know that Project 003 will be homologated for sale in all markets (left- and right-hand drive), it will be a two-seat coupe and just 500 examples will be produced.
Behind the cabin will be a turbocharged petrol engine, forming part of a petrol-electric hybrid system, expected to send all of its power to the rear wheels. Aston says it will have active aerodynamics and suspension to give it 'class-leading' dynamics on the road and race track.
Aston Martin has previously stated its intention to create a mid-engined series production supercar to take on the likes of the Ferrari 488 GTB, but we do not believe that Project 003 is that car. Exciting times indeed at Aston.
Anything else?
Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive, Andy Palmer, said: "It was always the intention for the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a lifetime project, however, it was also vital to us that Valkyrie would create a legacy: a direct descendent that would also set new standards within its own area of the hypercar market, creating a bloodline of highly specialised, 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."