Mostly known for its V-12-powered grand tourers and the race cars based on them, Aston Martin isn't the kind of automaker you'd go to in search of a supercar. There is one exception though. In 2009, the Brits launched the One-77, a coupe that was powered by the most powerful, naturally aspirated engine at the time, was loaded with state-of-the-art features, and built in extremely limited numbers. Come 2016 and Aston Martin unveiled its first full-fledged supercar. Called the AM-RB 001, it was developed in collaboration with Red Bull Racing and will hit public roads in 2018. Although the full details on the car aren't out yet and the preliminary photos show a prototype that will be further revised before the official launch, Aston Martin promises that the AM-RB 001 will be "an unprecedented fusion of form and function" and a vehicle that will be "entirely useable and enjoyable as a road car, but with the capability to perform like no road car before it on a race track."

These claims are mighty brave, but not surprising given the fact that the supercar is a joint effort with F1's Red Bull Racing, which is headed by Adrian Newey, arguably the most successful Formula One designer. The F1-derived technology, Newey's extensive knowledge about aerodynamics, and Aston Martin's vast racing experience should make the AM-BR 001 quite the insane supercar. The car's projected performance is "in line with that of today’s LMP1 Le Mans sports prototypes," which sounds spectacular to say the least. The task of engineering the AM-RB 001 will be shared between Q by Aston Martin Advanced and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, with production taking place at Aston Martin’s Gaydon facility -- the exact same factory that was built for the One-77. A track-only version is also on the table, but until we find out more about that, let's have a closer look at the prototype that previews the road-going model.

Continue reading to learn more about the Aston Martin AM-RB 001.

2018 Aston Martin AM-RB 001

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Aston Martin AM-RB 001
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Aston Martin Valkyrie
Aston Martin

Aston Martin had very little to say about the AM-RB 001's exterior. What we do know so far is that the body will be built around a carbon-fiber structure and that the aerodynamic kit will deliver "unprecedented levels of downforce in a road-legal car." Also, the British firm said that much of this downforce is generated through underfloor aerodynamics, which probably means that the chassis is derived from Red Bull's Formula One design.

As far as styling goes, the AM-RB 001 is very similar to an LMP1 Le Mans prototypes. It has a low-slung silhouette, a short nose, long rear deck, extremely short overhangs, muscular wheel arches, and a canopy-like roof that extends above the engine. The front end has very little in common with current Aston Martin models outside the badge and the headlamps. The same goes the rear and pretty much every other element of this car. This is not surprising, however, as the AM-RB 001 is supposed to be an Aston Martin like no other.

Making the prototype that much more interesting is its Formula One-style underbody. Although it looks like a conventional supercar, the chassis is actually based on the open-wheel design of F1 cars. This is most visible if you look in the area between the nose and the carbon-fiber splitter, as well as the open area just under the doors. Around back, instead of the traditional diffuser that goes all the way to the ground, the AM-RB 001 sports a tunnel-like element that channels the air that comes from under the nose. The nearly flat fascia, the low-slung rear section of the roof, and the thin wing also suggest that Newey designed an intricate aerodynamic system that seems to blend knowledge from both Formula One and Le Mans.

On the other hand, the prototype is about 80 percent production ready, which means that certain modifications will be made to the exterior before the final version breaks cover. You can find out more about that in our 2018 Aston Martin Valkyrie (the car's production name) review.

Interior

When the AM-RB 001 was first unveiled, there were no photos of the interior. Actual pictures came once the updated Valkyrie was showcased and as expected, its cockpit is a carbon-fiber shell with motorsport-inpired design cues and features. The dashboard is as clean as they get, but it includes a large display in the middle. In addition, two smaller screens placed at the bottom of the A-pillars show images from the rear-view cameras placed in the outer flanks.

The race-inspired steering wheel also includes a screen, which displays information about water and oil temperature, fuel, battery, rpm, speed, and gears, among other functions. The bespoke seats seem to have been built for hardcore racing and enable the occupants to sit in a reclined, feet-up position similar to that of modern Formula One cars and Le Mans prototype racers.

Drivetrain

Under the hood of the AM-RB 001 will lurk a high-revving, naturally aspirated V-12 engine. In a market that's slowly moving toward turbocharged powerplants and hybrid drivetrains, this is excellent news for gearheads. Although Aston Martin had nothing to say about the output, it did mention that V-12 has "the potency to achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio," which translates to one PS per kg of weight. This is not unprecedented in the supercar industry as Koenigsegg has already achieved it with the Koenigsegg One:1, but it's a rare and tremendous feat to accomplish. Even though there are no specific figures to run by, this power-to-weight ratio should return sub-three-second 0-to-60 mph sprints.

The V-12 engine will be backed by a race-spec transmission conceived by Adrian Newey from a clean sheet and and developed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies. Also penned by Newey, the suspension system will feature "innovative technology and employ principles honed over his thirty year career." It might not be much as far as information goes, but it sounds very exciting.

Conclusion

It's been nearly five years since Aston Martin discontinued the One-77 and it turns out that the Brits are ready to launch their third modern supercar. It's a bit unexpected given the company's recent financial problems, but it's great to have yet another brand tackle the hypercar segment. But, while both the One-77 and the Vulcan are amazing cars, it seems that Aston Martin wants to take things up a notch and offer a world-beating hypercar that will be faster and more aerodynamic than anything else available on the market. It's definitely too early to make predictions, but given Red Bull Racing's involvement in the project, the Valkyrie should be a spectacular supercar. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a little longer to get a hold of the juicy details behind it.

Update History

Updated 07/07/2016: We've created a new video highlighting the details of the Aston Martin AM-RB 001 as it is now. Click play to watch the video!

Updated 07/05/2016: If just a few hours ago we got the first details on the upcoming AM-RB 001 hypercar, now is time to take a closer look at it thanks to the first official video released by Aston Martin. Hit "play" to watch it!