Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing's hypercar looks like it was designed by an alien
Image: Aston Martin
When a racing team funded by an energy drink maker and one of the
world's most premier luxury performance carmakers come together on a
project, the result can be pretty stunning.
Aston Martin and Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing unveiled Tuesday
morning the result of a joint venture to create the world's latest and
greatest hypercar. It's called the AM-RB-001 and though it's lacking a
dynamic nameplate, its body, engine and lineage easily make up for it.
The front of the AM-RB-001 hypercar.
Image: Aston Martin
If
you're wondering just exactly what a hypercar is, let me explain. The
hierarchy of performance cars goes: sports car, supercar and hypercar,
from least to most. Sports cars are quick but accessible both in
performance and price — think Mazda Miata. Supercars like the Lamborghini Huracán are faster and wilder still and carry price tags around $180,000 and above.
Then at the very top, where few cars lie, are hypercars like the Lamborghini Centenario,
which are available only to the super rich. That's because they can
cost as much as a large villa — the AM-RB-001 is speculated to cost $3
million (a figure Aston Martin won't confirm, but a representative did
note it was a "reasonable" estimate) — and accelerate faster than, say, a
speeding bullet (not really, but you get what I mean).
Image: Aston Martin
Although
they've unveiled the car, Aston and Red Bull are still being rather
cagey about the AM-RB-001's performance specs. They have said, however,
it is powered by a new V12 engine and will have seats for two occupants.
They've also divulged that production will run somewhere between 99
and 150 cars. What's more, both road-legal and track-only versions will
be built. Given that tidbit, I wager the one we're looking at here is
the track-only car since it doesn't have sideview mirrors. Nevertheless,
I am sure the road-going version will be equally impressive.
Image: Aston Martin
Speaking
of its looks, I can't help but feel the AM-RB-001 is what an alien
might build, if pressed to design a terrestrial transportation machine.
It doesn't look mean or sharp like a Lamborghini but more like an alien
water bug that might lure you into its lair before turning your bones
into gelatin.
That is to say, it still looks fearsome like a hypercar should, just not in the traditional sense.
Regardless of my interpretation of its exterior design, soak up its
aerodynamic lines and otherworldly features now because you'll probably
never see one in the wild. Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
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