It may have a name that sounds like a piece of electronic equipment but don't be fooled, this car is rather special. It is the result of the joint efforts of Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing. The car has been long anticipated after the project was announced a few months ago and a sketch was released but today the world saw the real thing.
The project has been spearheaded by Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer and David King, VP and Chief Special Operations Officer. F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were also on hand to help unveil the new collaboration.
Vulcan? What Vulcan?
If you thought the Vulcan was striking then wait until you see this. The AM-RB 001's body has sweeping curves which point to its aerodynamic capabilities and is built from carbon fibre. The technical specifications are yet to be confirmed but what is known is the hypercar will be powered by a high-revving naturally aspirated engine V12 engine which will be mounted in the middle.
Oh yes, it's a red-blooded car that doesn't know the meaning of the world 'hybrid'. The engine should be a real livewire, Aston Martin state that it will be able to offer 1:1 power-to-weight ratio; 1 bhp per kilo of weight. This is likely to be the closest thing to a Formula 1 car that can be driven on the road - it will probably cost about the same as well.
Helping to keep this power (and the driver) on the road is a aerodynamics package that Aston Martin state offers an "unprecedented levels of downforce in a road-legal car." The body may look sleek and aerodynamic but in fact it's the underside of the AM-RB 001 that provides the majority of the downforce - thanks to Adrian Newey. The suspension has innovative technology to ensure that it can by dynamic on the track but comfortable enough to use on the road.
The AM-RB 001 will be produced in the purpose-built facility that was used to create the uber-expensive One-77 and will be undertaken by David King and his team. A track-only AM-RB 001 is also in the works and is projected to have performance equivalent to today's LMP1 Le Mans sports prototypes. Around 99 to 150 road cars will be produced as well as 25 track-only versions with deliveries arriving in 2018.
The Bugatti Chiron should be looking over its shoulder as there is a new kid on the block...