Aston Martin is making waves with a tantalizing new project that's turning heads in the automotive world. The British luxury marque is rumored to be delving into the rugged side of SUVs with a model internally dubbed 'Project Rambo.'
May 16, 2024 at 08:33
Lamborghini LM002" />Aston Martin Dives into Rugged Luxury
The brand, long known for its sleek grand tourers, is reportedly drawing inspiration from an unexpected source in Lamborghini’s hardy, military-rooted LM002. This isn't about mimicking the Miura or Countach; Aston is eyeing the LM002's rugged DNA for its new SUV, aiming to create an alternative to boxy, high-end off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The Birth of 'Project Rambo'
Internally, Aston Martin has christened this ambitious SUV 'Project Rambo.' With a name like that, the hints are strong. The new vehicle promises not just off-road prowess but supercar-level on-road performance, much akin to its Italian predecessor, the LM002. This model originally came with a V12 engine developed from a military project, earning it the nickname 'Rambo Lambo.'
The DBX Connection
According to insiders, the foundation of 'Project Rambo' will likely be the chassis of the DBX. The DBX has been nothing short of a triumph for Aston Martin, especially in the form of the high-powered DBX 707. This variant pushes a robust 707 PS and 697 horsepower, trouncing the entry-level 542-hp DBX that struggled against competitors like the Lamborghini Urus.
Aston's newest SUV will probably share a lot with the DBX 707, including its ferocious powertrain. This would simplify development while delivering the kind of performance numbers necessary to satisfy both the asphalt and off-road adventurers. And let's not forget, 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds is nothing to scoff at.
What's Under the Hood?
There’s speculation on whether Aston will go the extra mile to differentiate this rugged marvel from its more urbane sibling, the DBX. Among the big questions: will it feature a V12 engine?
Aston Martin is one of the few brands still dedicated to the V12 engine, a feature also boasted by Rolls-Royce and Ferrari in their SUVs. Fitting a V12 into the new SUV would underscore its rugged, performance-driven ethos and create a substantial link to the fearsome LM002 heritage.
The speculation is grounded in some recent revelations regarding Aston's latest harnessing of the power of an 824 hp V12 for the upcoming Vanquish GT. This beastly engine, reportedly planned for the brand’s most exclusive and limited models, would be a fitting muscle for 'Project Rambo.' Despite the rising tide of electric vehicles, Aston Martin's focus seems unmistakably set on combustion and hybrid powertrains for the foreseeable future.
In conclusion, 'Project Rambo' promises to deliver an electrifying mix of luxury, ruggedness, and performance, potentially making it a formidable contender in the high-end SUV market. If Aston's new venture takes off, it may just bring the ghost of the LM002 roaring back to the modern age, with all the British class and hell-raising power that we can expect from this storied marque.