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Aston Martin confirms its third mid-engine hypercar

Consider the rumors confirmed. Aston Martin will build a third mid-engine hypercar that's currently codenamed 003, following the Valkyrie (code 001) and track-specific Valkyrie AMR Pro (code 002). Aston Martin says 003 will borrow lots of technology from its forebears, including hybrid electric propulsion and carbon fiber-intensive construction. But there are some significant changes being baked into this third hypercar that will set it apart from the first two. First up, Aston Martin will use a turbocharged engine in 003. Both versions of the Valkyrie used naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 powerplants co-developed with Cosworth. We don't have any power specifications for the turbocharged hybrid drivetrain of 003 yet, but we know the Valkyrie's V12 puts out as much as 1,130 horsepower from its gasoline-burning engine and electric motors. We can't say for certain, but we wouldn't bet against Aston pushing that figure further into the stratosphere with the turbo-enhanced unit that will power 003. Aston Martin also promises "active aerodynamics" that provide "outstanding levels of downforce in a road-legal car" to go along with "active suspension systems." Sounds like there's a good chance double-oh-three could be more advanced than its older siblings. That said, Aston says its third mid-engine hypercar is being designed for use on the road in addition to the track, with "more practical concessions to road use, including space for luggage." And all of that has our interest piqued. Something conspicuously absent from Aston Martin's latest hypercar announcement are any mentions of partnerships. Both Valkyrie models were designed with plenty of input from Red Bull Racing and its famous technical director, Adrian Newey. There's also no mention of Mercedes-Benz or its AMG division, from which the British automaker sources its current lineup of V8 engines. How much input will Red Bull have in 003? Will its turbocharged V8 be sourced from Mercedes-AMG? We'll just have to wait and see. What we do know, though, is that the FIA's Hypercar Concept racing series is sounding more interesting by the minute. And, if the sketch above is at all indicative of 003's actual production design, this third hypercar will be quite a bit different from the first two. Project 003 is expected to hit the road late in 2021. Global production will be capped at 500 units. Pricing, naturally, is not yet known, but if you have to ask, well, you know the rest.

2020 Aston Martin DBX is an Aston you won't be afraid to put your dogs in

Most Aston Martins, being two-door coupes, aren't necessarily cars in which you'd want to bring your four-legged friends. But the 2020 Aston Martin DBX crossover isn't a typical Aston. Not only does it have space for large dogs and other pets, but Aston is offering a selection of accessories in a Pet Pack to make travel more comfortable for furry companions. It includes a divider to keep your pets in the cargo area, and a lovely gray fabric and saddle brown leather bed for them to lie on. A fabric bumper guard can fold out to protect paint from stray claws, and a portable washer will let you clean up your dogs after a muddy romp. There are even pet bowls for food and water. The Pet Pack is one of a few accessory packages Aston is showing off for the DBX even before we've seen the crossover officially revealed. One of the other unique packages is the Event Pack, which comes with a picnic hamper, blanket, chairs and extra umbrella storage. Then there's the Snow Pack that, in addition to a ski bag, ski rack and snow chains, comes with boot warmers. Aston will also offer custom leather trimmed child seats for families. And of course there are a variety of interior organizers and custom luggage options for general odds and ends. Pricing and availability haven't been announced yet. That information will come along with the official reveal of the DBX this December.

The only road-legal Aston Martin Vulcan dressed up in bomber camo for Gumball

The Gumball 3000 is to cars what the Met Gala is to fashion. Whereas Gala guests are flexing their money with outrageous outfits and costly designer customs, Gumball participants show off with expensive and rare vehicles covered in eye-popping temporary skins. One of the biggest stars at the 2019 Gumball 3000 will be the only road-legal Aston Martin Vulcan in the world. This year, the Gumball 3000's path takes drivers from Mykonos, Greece, to Athens, Greece, to Thessaloniki, Greece, to Tirana, Albania, to Porto Montenegro, Montenegro, to Split, Croatia, to Venice, Italy, to Monaco, to Barcelona, Spain, to Ibiza Town, Spain. Approximately 114 teams will be participating in the ostentatious party rally, and few will have a car more special than the Vulcan. YouTube personality Mr. JWW will be behind the wheel of the Team 106 car, which is wearing a slick camo look that is inspired by the Avro Vulcan bomber used by the Royal Air Force (and featured in the James Bond movie Thunderball as another point of reference). JWW will also be joined by G. Stepanovs and S. Tompkins. Of the 24 Vulcans made, the one you see here is the only road-legal version of the bunch. In the video above, JWW shows exactly what makes it capable of driving on public roads. The mods include Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, an increased ride height, a different front splitter, a revised radiator, removed steering lock stops, revised steering rack, and an altered rear wing. The biggest adjustment is the addition of proper headlights, which give the Vulcan an entirely new front-end style. Aston Martin changed a few minor things inside, as well. Check out all of the features in the full video above, and watch the JWW and Gumball 3000 social channels this weekend and next week for ongoing rally coverage. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gumball 3000 (@gumball3000) on Jun 7, 2019 at 6:43am PDT