Aston Martin has confirmed that it is to build a third hypercar, dubbed Project 003.
Following on from the Valkyrie and Valkyrie AMR, the new coupe model will go on sale in late 2021. Only 500 will be made for global sale.
Aston Martin describes the 003 as a ‘revolutionary’ mid-engined hypercar, and adds that it will make use of technology currently under development for the two Valkyrie variants.
It will be based around a lightweight shell with active aerodynamics and active suspension, and use a mid-mounted turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.
However, the company adds that 003 will be a more practical car for road users compared to the Valkyrie variants, with more luggage space. It will also be offered in both left and right-hand drive versions.
The 003 designation is not expected to be the car’s final name – its predecessors were originally known as Project 001 and 002.
Zagato celebrated
Aston Martin is also celebrating the centenary in 2019 of Italian styling house Zagato – with which the car manufacturer has been associated with for 58 years.
A ‘continuation’ version of the renowned DBZ Zagato of the 1960s will be produced in both road and race form, and they will only be sold together, the ‘Centenary Zagato Collection’ priced at £6 million plus taxes.
Just 29 pairs of DB Zagato continuation cars will be sold, echoing the production run of the original. The DB4 GT Zagato track version will be manufactured at the Newton Pagnell, Buckinghamshire works where the original DB4 was produced in the 1960s, and the DBS GT Zagato road car at Aston Martin’s Gaydon plant.
The new model news comes as Aston Martin prepares to float on the stock exchange. Shares for 25% of the company will be offered, with an initial share price between £17.50 and £22.50 valuing Aston Martin between £4.02 and £5.07 billion.
