Aston Martin AM-RB 003 (2019)
May 02, 2019As its codename suggests, both evolutionary and revolutionary,
AM-RB 003 will remain true to that uncompromising engineering ethos,
According to Miles Nurnberger, and is even taking certain ideas and concepts a step further. That’s a natural function of design evolution, but also testament to just how great an influence working with Red Bull Advanced Technologies on Aston Martin Valkyrie has had on our approach to everything that’s come since.”
The AM-RB 003 features a pronounced front keel and large rear diffuser, with the underfloor generating the bulk of the downforce. However, AM-RB 003 will also benefit from next-generation aircraft morphing technology, to create a variable airfoil across the entirety of the rear wing.
The technology named FlexFoilTM - developed by FlexSys Inc.
resulting in a seamless style with high performance, turbulence and the associated drag increase found in current “state of the art” active wing designs is virtually eliminated too.
Across the top surfaces, but new lamp shapes at the front and rear ensure it has its own identity. The lamp graphics are unique, but the internals are taken directly from Aston Martin Valkyrie due to their lightness, with the combined weight of all four units totalling less than the excess weight of one DB11 headlamp.
One of the biggest differences between Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003 is the size of the cockpit, for it was part of the latter’s design brief that it should make greater concessions to usability and comfort. To this end, the AM-RB 003 has LMP1-style doors, which open forwards taking a section of roof with them to facilitate easier ingress and egress. 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.
Dynamic and focussed driving environment. Called ‘Apex Ergonomics‘, steering wheel and pedals and the careful positioning of other elements throughout the cabin to support this driver focussed experience.
A display screen mounted on the steering column allows for the best possible view through the tyre without any rim block, functionality, simplicity and flexibility.
Another visual expression of ‘Apex Ergonomics’ can be found in the wraparound band that provides a distinct and functional divide between the lower portion of the cockpit and the upper section defined by the extreme curvature of the windscreen. Ventilation and ambient lighting and creates a bold, yet fully integrated technical feature as opposed to the traditional placement of individual air vents and speakers.
It serves to focus and emphasise the driver’s attention to this horizontal widescreen zone, which in turn is the area in which all the main controls, displays and material touch points are concentrated. Where traditionally these materials would be wood, leather or glass, the AM-RB 003 signals a transition to advanced style and manufacturing techniques that pioneer what we describe as Space-Craft; that’s to say space-age technology and traditional craft. Now the authenticity is usually in lightweight properties and the application of advanced design and manufacturing techniques, including the use of state-of-the-art 3D printing methods; a shift driven by the need to save weight in every area of the car. For example, the 3D printed center console is a part that removes 50 per cent of the mass, while having integrated functional switches. In addition, thanks to CAD modelling it’s possible to create parametric forms that look very fine, intricate, and in places ‘impossible’ to make. This fuses the purity of obsessive attention, to weight saving and exceptional visible and tactile qualities. Full technical details of the AM-RB 003 will be revealed as the development programme progresses, but it will be the first car to receive Aston Martin’s new hybrid turbo V6 engine, marking Aston Martin’s return to in-house designed engines.
Complementing this exciting new power unit will be the innovative Nexcel sealed oil system., this innovative system was first utilised on the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan and subjected to numerous Nürburgring 24 Hours campaigns to prove out its performance and durability credentials.
As a direct descendent of Aston Martin Valkyrie, there was never any question over the AM-RB 003 being built around a light-weight carbon fibre structure and clad in carbon fibre bodywork sculpted for maximum aerodynamic effect. Honed by RBAT and featuring energetic aerodynamics and morphing aero areas, the AM-RB 003 will deliver outstanding levels of downforce in a road-legal car package. The technology transfer continues with active suspension and electronic systems that share a common philosophy with Aston Martin Valkyrie, delivering a chassis blessed with next-level precision, control and driver connection. Working closely with RBAT, the responsibility for creating the optimum dynamic set-up for AM-RB 003 falls to Aston Martin Chief Engineer, Matt Becker and Aston Martin Expert High Performance Test Driver, Chris Goodwin. Currently immersed in the ongoing advancement of the Aston Martin Valkyrie - initially using RBAT’s world-leading simulator before the 1st running prototypes are completed - Becker and Goodwin’s renowned feel and unrivalled expertise will make sure continuity between both Aston Martin Valkyrie and AM-RB 003 projects, providing the Advanced Operations team, led by Chief Engineer Fraser Dunn, with invaluable information to make a car with its own unique character and dynamic fingerprint.
Andy Palmer, but will in turn influence Aston Martin’s initial series production mid-engined supercar”.