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Aston Martin's project 003 could have a name: Valhalla

When Aston Martin unveiled the Valkyrie at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the carmaker's chief designer told Drive, "We have a bunch more V names that we've thought of and haven't used." Earlier this year, AutoGuide discovered a trademark application for the name Varekai, which Aston Martin will use for its crossover. Now the same site has found another trademark application at the with World Intellectual Property organization, this time for Valhalla, which it expects to be applied to the "Son of Valkyrie," formerly known as 003. The automaker made the filing on October 12, 2018. If you're unclear on all the connections, the Valkyrie was codenamed AM-RB 001, denoting the first collaboration between Aston Martin and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team. The Valkyrie AMR Pro was AM-RB 002. That makes the Valhalla, nee 003, next in the chute. The naming inverts Norse myth, since the legends say Valkyries escorted fallen warriors to the Hall of the Slain in Valhalla. In Aston Martin's working, you need to go through Valhalla to get to the ferocious women with the swords. Although not thought to be co-developed with Red Bull Racing, the Valhalla will retain lightweight, carbon-fiber-intensive construction and active aerodynamics like its larger siblings, as well as an active suspension. As a road-legal and more practical step below the Valkyries, the Valhalla includes "space for luggage," and a quieter cabin. Instead of a naturally-aspirated V12, the third member of the family goes with a turbocharged V6 with hybrid help. Anticipated to be a full-on hypercar, the competitive set is thought to include the McLaren Speedtail and whatever succeeds the Ferrari LaFerrari. Aston Martin will make 500 Valhallas, deliveries commencing in late 2021. Before then, don't be surprised to see the Vanquish name return on the company's Ferrari 488 and McLaren 720S challenger. Related Video:

Aston Martin allegedly talking to Saudis, Lucid about EV plans

Last summer, Aston Martin Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll continued his shakeup of the British carmaker by making it known he sought partners for a planned range of electric vehicles. At the time, he mentioned Mercedes-Benz, Rivian and Lucid as potential sources for a platform and maybe more. Mercedes seemed an odd choice. Despite the Germans being Aston Martin's technology partner — a friend in a time of dire need — Stroll's comments over the previous year made it sound as if he viewed the tie-up more like a punishment he was bound to. We're not sure if Rivian ever got past the public musing stage. Lucid seems to be in the lead, as the California automaker was supposedly in previous discussions with the English about an EV sports car platform. Car and Driver reports that Stroll is serious about Lucid again, talking to both the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that owns a controlling interest in Lucid and directly to Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson.  On top of needing to find a partner for a range of battery-electrics to roll out around 2027, Stroll's trying to fend off unwelcome suitors and maintain independence. Two years ago, Aston Martin's stock price surpassed GBP22 per share. Last November, it fell below GBP1 per share, now it's up to GBP2. The market's seen plenty of free-fallers over the past couple of years, so it's not like Aston is alone. But the cratered market cap has led to stories about Geely founder Li Shufu taking a close look at acquiring a second English sports car maker after buying Lotus. The Saudi PIF is currently the second-largest shareholder in Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings with an 18.7% stake, following the 28.4% stake held by Stroll's consortium. Geely is the third-largest shareholder at 7.6%. Considering what Geely's done with Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, it's hard to say Shifu would be an unworthy asset manager, but we understand Stroll's quest for independence. If Stroll can close a deal that gets his carmaker money, an EV platform and a tech partner, he gets breathing room. Coming to a new agreement with the Saudi PIF and Lucid could do all three, as well as helping Lucid, the Californians potentially being able to take advantage of Aston Martin's storefront and service infrastructure.   The C/D report says Aston Martin "allegedly" arranged in January to buy electric motors from Lucid.

Aston Martin debuts its first F1 race car in 61 years — green is for go

LONDON — James Bond said he was thrilled, and seven-times Super Bowl champion Tom Brady threw in support from afar as Aston Martin showed off its first Formula One car in 61 years on Wednesday. The launch, presented online by "Quantum of Solace" actress Gemma Arterton, played up the 108-year-old marque's connection to the fictional British secret agent as the Silverstone-based team started a new era. "I just want to send a massive congratulations to all at Aston Martin for getting back onto the F1 grid for the first time since 1960," Bond actor Daniel Craig said in a video message. "It is an incredible thrill for me, and I'm sure all F1 fans, to see Aston Martin racing again in their iconic Aston Martin Racing Green. "Go take it to them. I'll see you on the grid." The new James Bond film "No Time to Die," due for release in September, features four Aston Martins — the agent's car of choice. Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel, freshly arrived from Ferrari, and Canadian Lance Stroll will be the ones with the license to thrill and both liked the look of the sleek green AMR21 car that marks Aston's return as a constructor. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brady offered his support in a video message for a team that last year, as Racing Point, finished fourth overall but won a race and were often third fastest. "Hey Lance and Seb, looks like your ride is finally here and it looks amazing," he said. "I'll be cheering you guys every step of the way...good luck and kick some ass." Lawrence Stroll, team owner and father of Lance, is also the executive chairman of Aston Martin and has big plans for expanding the brand and taking his team to the top. "I have dreamed about this day for a very long time," he said. "My first dream was to own a Formula One team. My second dream was to acquire a significant shareholding in Aston Martin Lagonda. Today is about the merging of those two dreams. "This is just the beginning. The team is pushing forward, and our ambitions are limitless. We now have the pieces in place, the people and the partners, to make real progress."  Related Video: