Yahoo Autos Aston Martin Reportedly Developing Rugged Off-Road SUV: Project Rambo
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Aston Martin, the British luxury car manufacturer known for its sleek sports cars and grand tourers, is reportedly venturing into the rugged terrain of off-road SUVs. According to Autocar, the company is developing a tough, off-road SUV project internally dubbed "Project Rambo," drawing inspiration from the legendary Lamborghini LM002.
This new SUV would mark Aston Martin's second entry into the SUV market, following the success of the DBX. Unlike the DBX, which is positioned as a high-performance luxury SUV, Project Rambo is expected to embody a more rugged, off-road character akin to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender. The vehicle is anticipated to combine serious off-road capabilities with high acceleration, making it a unique offering in Aston Martin's lineup.
Design proposals for Project Rambo are currently under evaluation, though no official decision has been made to move forward with production. If approved, Aston Martin is reportedly considering a limited production run of around 2,500 units, making it more exclusive than the DBX, which sells over 3,000 units annually.
Project Rambo is unlikely to have a unique platform, suggesting it may share its underpinnings with the DBX. This could mean the use of the Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, which powers the DBX and the AMG G 63. In the G 63, this engine, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produces 577 horsepower and propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Aston Martin's ambitious plans don't stop with Project Rambo. The automaker is also preparing to unveil a successor to the DBS, featuring a V-12 engine, and the mid-engine Valhalla, which will utilize the AMG twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 as part of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Additionally, Aston Martin is set to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, despite a slight delay attributed to perceived weakened demand for EVs. The company has four EVs planned, supported by a modular EV platform.
The development of Project Rambo reflects Aston Martin's strategy to diversify its portfolio and cater to different market segments. By creating a high-powered, off-road SUV with supercar performance, Aston Martin aims to offer a unique blend of luxury and rugged capability, potentially setting a new benchmark in the off-road SUV market.
As enthusiasts eagerly await official confirmation and more details, the prospect of Aston Martin producing a vehicle inspired by the iconic Lamborghini LM002 promises to be an exciting addition to the world of luxury off-road vehicles.
