Aston Martin and Red Bull Call in the Cavalry for Their $3M Hypercar

Meet the dream team behind their top-secret project

February 16, 2017 9:00 am

Aston Martin was anything but subtle when they revealed their AM-RB 001 hypercar last July.

A collaboration with Red Bull Racing, it’s rumoured to be faster than the McLaren F1 (see: 241+ mph) with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio and churn 1,000 horsepower. Built with input from the world’s most successful Formula 1 designer, Adrian Newey, the carbon fiber, completely road legal AM-RB is headed in the right direction.

And now, almost a full year after the initial announcement, the manufacturers have released a smattering of details about their tech partners. And it looks to be shaping up mighty fine, and fast.

Consider:

  • The oomph will hail from a hybrid powertrain with a custom 6.5-liter Cosworth V12 integrated with a featherweight battery system from Croatian makers Rimac. And they’re no stranger to 1,000+ horsepower judging by their most recent stunner the Concept One.
  • Putting that power in motion will be a seven-speed paddleshift gearbox from Ricardo, known for dominating at 24 of Le Mans and Sebring. It’s uncertain how it’s going to be better, faster and lighter — oh, and fit — but it will be managed by Bosch’s cornerstone Transmission Control Unit.
  • With great power comes great responsibility. In this case, the responsibility of being able to bring 250 mph to a screeching stop. For that, the team has tapped Alcon and Surface Transforms. They’re well adept at giving the red light to Koenigseggs and most recently outfitted the BAC Mono for a record breaking lap at the Anglesey Coastal Circuit.

Just 150 examples of the steed will be produced with a 25-run of track-specific versions. We can’t wait for just one.

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