Hybrid power likely for Aston Martin AM-RB 001 hypercar
Aston Martin and Red Bull’s upcoming AM-RB 001 hypercar is likely to have hybrid power, according to key hints from the partners.
On Red Bull’s careers website, the company is advertising positions for AM-RB 001 engineers, notably those with experience in hybrid systems, semi-active suspension and composite materials.
Revealed in July, the AM-RB 001 is touted as a race car for the road. Although few details about the model’s mechanical package were confirmed, a naturally-aspirated V12 - albeit of an unknown displacement - will feature.
A Formula One-inspired suspension setup was confirmed at the launch, but the advertisement for engineers with knowledge of semi-active suspension could suggest otherwise.
Online reports claim the AM-RB 001 will produce between 900bhp (671kW) and 1000bhp (746kW), shifting a kerb weight of less than a tonne - which could see the AM-RB 001 achieve a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.
This low weight will be made possible through the extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fibre and - if the advertisement is a guide - composites.
Rumours suggest the AM-RB 001 will be capable of sprinting from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in around 2.5 seconds and achieve lateral g-forces exceeding 2.0g.
Both Aston Martin and Red Bull have made it clear they aim to produce a vehicle that is unrivalled by even the current crop of hypercars, including the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder.
Production of the AM-RB 001 will be limited to “between” 99 and 150 units for the road, while a further 25 will be track-only versions. First deliveries are scheduled for 2018.
The collaborative hypercar is expected to retail for more than $3 million.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more Aston Martin AM-RB 001 updates.
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