Simply Abu Dhabi XXIV

2 5 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I A ston Martin and the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team may not have been the most obvious alliance in the automotive world, but the collaborative genius of these two global heavyweight brands has produced a pioneering hypercar – a road car than can match lap speeds with a Formula 1 car. They have forged the fastest and the most advanced Aston Martin yet. The two-seater naturally aspirated V12 hypercar with a 1:1 power-to-weight ratio was unveiled in July this year at AstonMartin’s UKGaydon headquarters. Dr. Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of AstonMartin Lagonda Ltd, speaks directly to Simply Abu Dhabi about the origins of the partnership and the speed we can expect. “The car is likely to be as quick around Silverstone as a 2016 F1 car in race trim, so it’s phenomenally quick and only a small number of our customers will be able to unlock that.” And who will the customers be? The AM-RB 001 is expected to be priced at around £2 million and already purchasing interest is way above the expected production figure. Palmer says, “We’ve had 600 requests to buy against 150 road cars, so we’re very clearly having to manage expectations and disappointment. Obviously, when you’ve got that level of demand then to some extent it has to be first come first served, but also – how close are you to the brand? What’s your friendship with the brand? In that respect it’s a meritocracy. We’ll choose rationally looking at howmuch history you have with the brand.” Palmer is quick to point out that the AM-RB 001 will represent real value. “This car is not about making wild margins, believe me! The price that you pay is represented by the cost of making this car,” he says. Those fortunate enough to be on the list will be buying a piece of history. “This is the first time that you get a true