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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.

Lagonda electric crossover SUV coming in 2021

The folks at Aston Martin's ultra-luxury division Lagonda have been busy lately. The company showed a concept for a full-electric sedan at Geneva, with plans for production, and have now revealed a preview of a full-electric crossover SUV concept. It doesn't have a name yet, but, like the Lagonda Vision Concept, it's a look at a future production Lagonda. And although the Vision Concept was shown first, this crossover is planned to hit production two year's earlier in 2021. Aston Martin Lagonda only released one image of the crossover, and, well, it looks unique. We only get a look at the rear 3/4 angle, and the car above it is clearly the Vision Concept. Lagonda says the crossover is inspired by the Vision Concept, and looking at the photo, it does appear to pretty much be the Vision Concept but with a taller ride height and an extended roofline to create a hatchback. As for what we can expect from the crossover, we can extrapolate from the Vision Concept. Lagonda announced that it has plans for its production EVs to have a range of about 400 miles with solid-state batteries. Its vehicles will also be all-wheel drive. Only time will tell whether Aston Martin and Lagonda will be able to deliver on long-range, solid-state battery-powered cars within three years. Related Video:

Aston Martin's extremely British DBS Superleggera special edition: DBS 59

Aston Martin just released a new special-edition model called the DBS 59. The name pays respect to Aston Martin's 1-2 finish in the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans with its DBR1 race cars. This car is based off the 715-horsepower DBS Superleggera, the fastest vehicle in Aston's current lineup. All the changes for the special edition car are visual, but they make for one hell of a stunner. Every DBS 59 will be painted in British racing green and use a plethora of gloss carbon fiber on the exterior. You'll see the carbon on the roof, roof strakes, rear valance, spoiler and hood louvers. To complement the carbon fiber, Aston used bronze accents in some spots like the front grille, badging, brake calipers and wheels. It all comes off as very British, and we're loving the classy looks of it. The interior is actually tri-toned. There are brown and black leather seats, but British racing green trim is found in some areas as an accent. Fabric designed to harken back to the same stuff used on the DBR1 was commissioned for the DBS 59's seat backs and door inserts. You get one of the cooler accessories packages with the car: The rear compartment holds special DBS 59 crash helmets. Period-correct blue race overalls, racing gloves modeled after those worn in the 1959 race, a bespoke two-piece luggage set and a car cover specific to your model number all come with the car. Speaking of model numbers, Aston Martin plans to make 24 of these — you know, because there are 24 hours in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car will have a small white painted number next to the side strakes to signify which one you got. All the mechanicals are the exact same as the normal DBS Superleggera. That's totally fine — the Superleggera goes 211 mph. Aston Martin doesn't provide a price, but you can order one now. Our guess is, if you have to ask, you can't afford it. Related video: Featured Gallery Aston Martin DBS 59 Image Credit: Aston Martin Aston Martin Coupe Luxury Performance supercar aston martin dbs superleggera