Skip to main content

Good luck finding Aston’s AM-RB 001 hypercar, or affording one

Aston Martin AM-RB 001 teaser
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Aston Martin and the Red Bull Racing Formula One team are collaborating on a new supercar, because what else would you expect those two entities to work together on? The car, called the AM-RB 001, will be as expensive and rare as it is fast.

Production will be limited to 99 units, priced at 2 million to 3 million pounds (about $3 million to $4 million), designers Marek Reichman of Aston Martin and Adrian Newey of Red Bull confirmed in a recent interview with Autocar. That’s even more than the $2.3 million Aston asked for its limited-edition Vulcan track car, although compared to that model’s 24-unit production run, the AM-RB 001 will be positively common.

The AM-RB 001 will be unlike any production Aston Martin, thanks to its mid-engined layout. This is a given in most supercars, but Aston Martin has stuck with front-engined road cars until now. The DP 100 Vision Gran Turismo concept hinted at what a mid-engined Aston could look like, but that car was never intended to exist outside of a video game.

Read more: Soak in Aston Martin’s new DB11 flagship

Other details are being kept under wraps, but designers Reichman and Newey did say the AM-RB 001 will have a decently-spacious two-seat cabin, with “modest” luggage space. This is a supercar, after all, although Aston may try to infuse it with some of the luxury of its more traditional offerings.

In addition to collaborating on the AM-RB 001, Aston Martin also applied its logos to Red Bull’s 2016 RB12 F1 car. Red Bull recently had a falling out with former technical partner Renault, so it could use another car company as a friend. Aston probably won’t provide much financial or technical assistance, but it may have a connection to a company that could.

Mercedes-Benz also has a technical partnership with Aston, which will see it provide engines and electrical hardware for the British firm’s sports cars. Mercedes engines are currently dominating F1, and many analysts have predicted Aston will soon slap its name on a Mercedes-powered F1 car. Red Bull is eager to find a new engine supplier, adding to the intrigue.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more