Aston Martin Announces AM-RB 001 Technical Partners

Design and engineering work on the AM-RB 001 hypercar is progressing at a rapid pace. Aston Martin recently announced the key technical partners for the project for which it has joined hands with Red Bull Advanced Technologies and AF Racing.

The technical partners for the project were selected on the basis of their expertise and willingness to innovate in order to enhance performance. The technical partners for the AM-RB 001 hypercar will work with Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer and Aston Martin’s VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, David King and his team to work on a car that the company says will redefine the limits of road car performance.

The most important component of any car is its engine and for this Aston Martin has chosen to work with the renowned engine builder, Cosworth. The company is known for its legacy in motorsports and will use its experience in the production of high-performance production engines and Formula One cars to manufacture AM-RB 001’s bespoke, high-revving 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine.

A bespoke 7-speed paddle-shift transmission designed and manufactured by Ricardo will be paired with Cosworth’s V12 engine. Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ simulation work will be used to come up with intelligent engineering solutions that will help develop a gearbox that aligns closely with the radical hypercar’s emphasis on minimal mass and maximum efficiency.

The AM-RB 001 will also be equipped with a lightweight hybrid battery system supplied by Croatian company, Rimac. Rimac is known to be a key player in high-performance battery technology and showcased this effectively with its innovative Concept-One vehicle, the world’s first – and fastest – all-electric hypercar.

With the emphasis on lightweight construction for the hypercar, the AM-RB 001’s MonoCell will be fashioned from carbon fiber by world-leading composite experts, Multimatic. Multimatic has worked with Aston Martin previously on projects like the One-77 and Aston Martin Vulcan. Multimatic will effectively combine its manufacturing experience with Red Bull Advanced Technologies’ knowledge gained from the design and build of ultra-competitive, championship-winning Formula One cars.

The AM-RB 001 hypercar is expected to offer a power-to-weight ratio of 1:1 and needs a  braking system that is just as effective as its powertrain. Alcon and Surface Transforms, will be providing the lightweight, high performance brake calipers and carbon discs needed for the brake technology.

Bosch has been roped in to guarantee maximum efficiency, performance and dynamic control by coming up with a bespoke Engine Control Unit (ECU), Traction Control Unit (TCU) and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) systems for the AM-RB 001. UK light manufacturer, Wipac  has been tasked with providing the hypercar’s full LED headlamps and tail lamps.

Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing’s Chief Technical Officer, says of the technical partners supporting the AM-RB 001 project: “Much like Formula One, designing, engineering and building a car like the AM-RB 001 is a massive team effort. To achieve great things you need to surround yourself with the best people. Experience, creativity, energy, diligence and perfectionism are absolute must-have qualities in every area of the project. Having great technical partners such as those working with us is both reassuring and motivating. Together we aim to produce an innovative piece of engineering art.

David King, VP and Chief Special Operations Officer, said that making the AM-RB 001 hypercar presents huge challenges and serves as a real test for all the companies that are involved. Having the right technical partners is critical as the company aims to raise the car with this model. While some of the suppliers have a longstanding history of working with Aston Martin, there a few new ones who have been chosen for their expertise in their relevant fields.

Aston Martin is planning on building a maximum of 150 road going AM-RB 001s, including all remaining prototypes, with 25 additional track-only versions. The first deliveries of the hypercar are scheduled to commence in 2019.