Aston Martin Teams Up on Hypercar

Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. has identified several supplier partners for the limited-edition supercar it’s developing with Red Bull’s Formula One racing team.

The company will unveil the latest prototype of the so-called hypercar, codenamed AM-RB 001, on Thursday at the Toronto auto show and aims to launch it in late 2018. A track-only variant also is in the works.

Canada’s Multimatic Motorsports will build the car’s carbon fiber monocell architecture. The Markham, Ont.-company previously worked on the Aston Martin’s One-77 and Vulcan supercars, and late last year began building the new Ford GT supercar.

Cosworth will supply the car’s 6.5-liter V-12 engine, which will be teamed with a modified version of the kinetic energy recovery system used in F1 race cars. Combined output of the hybrid system is expected to total 1,000 hp, the bulk of which will come from the massive V-12.

The engine will be paired with a Ricardo 7-speed transmission. Aston Martin says the gearbox will have “minimal mass and maximum efficiency,” which media reports note make a dual-clutch configuration unlikely.

Croatia-based Rimac is developing the hybrid battery system. Bosch will be responsible for the engine control unit, traction control and electronic stability systems. The car’s high-performance brakes will be handled by Alcon and Surface Transforms calipers and carbon discs. U.K.-based Wipac will outfit the car with LED headlights and taillamps.

Production will be limited to 150 street-legal AM-RB 001s (including existing and future prototypes) and 25 track-only models.