aerobd.news : Aston Martin has confirmed its next step into the mid-engined electrified market with a vehicle code-named Project 003. The mid-engined vehicle is the third hypercar developed by the OEM, following the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro (formerly projects 001 and 002). The new vehicle will feature technology showcased in the Valkyrie.

Project 003 will be built around a lightweight structure and powered by a turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid engine. Combined with active aerodynamics for high levels of downforce in a road-legal car, active suspension systems will, its designers claim, offer precision, control and driver connection like that in the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR Pro. Project 003 is intended to have class-leading dynamics on both road and track. Project 003 is also being designed and engineered to offer more practical concessions to road use, including space for luggage. Fully homologated and available in all markets in both left- and right-hand drive, production will be limited to 500 coupe cars, with the first vehicles arriving to market in late 2021.

“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 specialized, limited production machines that can exist in parallel with Aston Martin’s series production models,” said Aston Martin Lagonda president and group chief executive Andy Palmer. “I’m thrilled to announce that this car is the Project 003, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena.”

source : Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology